The round of 16 matches at Spain’s top-tier international junior tournament, the ITF 300 VILLENA – Eduardo Ferrero Memorial, were played on Tuesday, the 17th, bringing great news for Spain. The two youngest players in the draw, both Spanish and trained at the JC Ferrero Tennis Academy where the tournament is held, have left a great impression and promise to be, if they continue working hard and progressing, names to watch in the future. Catalan Ian Barroeta faced the world No. 15 junior. A formidable opponent whom Ian managed to push to the limit, ultimately losing the match in a tight tiebreak in the second set (10-8). France’s Mathys Domenc lived up to his status as the tournament’s top seed and will face another Spaniard in the quarterfinals: Madrid’s Max Villar defeated India’s Aradhya in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2.

Meanwhile, Andalusian Dario Ruiz, who faced the tournament’s sixth seed and world No. 50 in the U18 circuit, displayed a solidity and level of competitiveness that surprised and overwhelmed the Polish sixth seed, Aleksander Blus, 6-4, 6-0. Dario remains the only junior player left in the men’s draw, and he did so with none other than Juan Carlos Ferrero himself on the sidelines, who had been watching matches and supporting the Academy players that morning.

Three other Spanish players reached the quarterfinals: Academy player Maxi Carrascosa comfortably defeated Mexico’s Flores. Alberto Pulido and Eudald Gonzalez won just as easily. Thus, out of sixteen players in the quarterfinals, the junior squad will have the strongest representation with six members still in contention.

Good news also in the women’s draw, where the two Spanish players in contention managed to secure victory. Gabriela Paun defeated the French player Pop 6-3, 6-3, while Paola Piñera, one of the tournament favorites, beat the French player Mpetshi (sister of ATP Top 30 player Giovanni) 6-3, 7-6(2). Both will face tough matches tomorrow, but they allow us to continue dreaming of a national champion.

The tournament enters its decisive phase with high-level matches and a large crowd, which is expected to continue growing (remember that admission to the tournament is free) until the finals on Saturday, March 21. A unique opportunity to witness the tennis of the future and see the health of Spanish tennis.