The CUPRA FIP Tour has arrived in Cotonou, Benin, to host the FIP Bronze Cotonou tournament. This event marks a significant milestone for the sport in the region, as the FIP Bronze Cotonou tournament is taking place in Cotonou, Benin, for the very first time. Competition for the main draw begins on Thursday 15 October 2026. The main draw of the tournament begins on Thursday 15 October 2026, marking the official start of the competitive proceedings. Matches will continue through the week until the event concludes on Saturday 17 October 2026 with the semi-finals and finals. The tournament concludes on Saturday 17 October 2026 with the semi-finals and finals, determining the ultimate winners of this inaugural edition.
Tournament Favorites and Draws
Gustavo Nunes and Tonet Sans enter the FIP Bronze Cotonou tournament as the favorites to secure the title in the men’s draw. Gustavo Nunes and Tonet Sans are the favourites to win the men's draw, holding the top position in the tournament rankings. Their campaign in Benin follows a series of performances on the international circuit that positioned the pair at the top of the entry list for the competition. They face a competitive field that includes other prominent pairings such as Julien Seurin and Johan Bergeron, as well as Fran Ramirez and Fakih Najib. Completing the list of contenders expected to challenge for the podium are Georges Wakim and Mohamed Alami. These pairs are preparing to navigate the bracket as they seek to overcome the top-seeded duo.
Mafalda Marques and Patricia Ribeiro lead the women’s draw as the primary favorites for the inaugural event in Cotonou. Mafalda Marques and Patricia Ribeiro head the women's draw, bringing a high level of experience to the courts in Benin. The Portuguese duo arrives with expectations to dominate the bracket after consistent results in European tournaments. They lead a field that features Nelida Brito and Dora Chamli, who are seeded to provide a significant challenge in the opening rounds. Other teams competing for the women's title include Ferdaous Bahri and Camilia Benabdeljalil, alongside the pair of Livane Jouanlanne and Safie Da Costa Soares. Organizers finalized the draw on 14 October 2026, setting the stage for the initial matches to determine which teams advance toward the final rounds. Players are now focused on their tactical preparations as the start date approaches, with the seeding structure designed to ensure that the strongest challengers meet in the latter stages of the competition. The arrival of these international athletes shows the growing reach of the CUPRA FIP Tour as it expands its footprint into new territories.
