VALENCIA/STARNBERG, May 5, 2026
The official presentation of the Copa Faulconbridge 2026 took place at the Provincial Council of Valencia, bringing together key figures from the sporting and political spheres, as well as the tournament’s main organizers.
Among those in attendance were Vicent Mompó, President of the Provincial Council of Valencia; Luis Cervera, Director General of Sport of the Generalitat Valenciana; and Rocío Gil, Councillor for Sports of the City of Valencia and provincial deputy. All emphasized the tournament’s growing importance within the international tennis calendar and its positive impact on the city’s sporting and tourism profile.
Mompó highlighted the institution’s strong commitment to the event, stating that one of his greatest satisfactions as president is to support and promote sport. He also described the tournament as a recognition of Valencian tennis and a source of regional pride.
Luis Cervera praised the Copa Faulconbridge as “one of the most outstanding sporting projects,” underlining its innovation, professionalism, and role as a defining feature of the Valencian Community’s sports identity.
Representing the Club de Tenis Valencia, president Ole Andresen pointed to the tournament’s continued growth, noting that it has reached ATP Challenger 175 status—placing it among just six events worldwide at this level. “This step forward reinforces our commitment to delivering a top-tier event and establishes the Copa Faulconbridge as a key reference on the international circuit,” he said. Andresen also emphasized the tournament’s social dimension, highlighting its focus on inclusion for wheelchair athletes and their families through a wide range of activities.
Tournament director Daniel Gimeno Traver outlined the main innovations for this year’s edition, including a strategic change of dates aimed at attracting a stronger player field and optimizing participation. On a personal note, he added: “I experienced this tournament as a player in 2002, and to return now as tournament director is both an honor and a privilege.”
The new schedule is also expected to enhance the event experience beyond the court, with an expanded Fan Zone and a broader program of activities designed to engage fans, families, and the general public.
In addition, the presentation announced the upcoming release of the book Historia de la Copa Faulconbridge, written by David Castelló and published by the Club de Tenis Valencia. The book launch will take place on May 9 during the tournament and will feature Emilio and Marisa Sánchez Vicario, both former champions, who will also be honored for their contributions to the event’s legacy.
With its 2026 edition, the Copa Faulconbridge once again positions the Club de Tenis Valencia as a central hub for tennis, reinforcing its status as one of the most prominent sporting events in the region. The presentation concluded with an open invitation to fans and sports enthusiasts to be part of what promises to be a landmark edition in the tournament’s history.
