Some say that padel is tennis for those who are afraid of Wimbledon-sized courts. Others say it is squash for those who want more space to show off. The truth lies somewhere in the middle, or maybe even a little further – because padel is a sport that has grown on its own terms, with its own dynamics and style. And most importantly, it is conquering the world faster than any other racket sport.

The roots of padel tennis – a Mexican coincidence?

The history of padel tennis begins in 1969 in Mexico, specifically on the estate of Enrique Corcuera. He did not have enough space for a full-size tennis court, so he came up with an alternative: a smaller court surrounded by walls. He probably did not expect that a few decades later his home-made invention would become a global phenomenon.

The Spaniards, followed by the Argentines, recognised its incredible potential. Padel became a sport that combines the dynamics of tennis, the strategic finesse of squash and the ease of play available to almost everyone. All you need is a racket, a ball and a partner to start the adventure.

Over the years, padel has grown in popularity, and not only in Spanish-speaking countries. In Europe, padel courts have been springing up like mushrooms and the sport is currently experiencing a real boom, becoming one of the fastest growing sports in the world. Thanks to its accessibility and visual appeal, it attracts both amateurs and professionals.

How is padel different from other racket sports?

If you have never seen a padel match, imagine something between tennis and squash, but with more freedom and spectacular rallies. The courts are smaller than in tennis, and the surrounding walls become part of the game – bouncing off them is not only allowed, but strategically desirable.

The game is played in pairs, and the short, intense rallies mean that every ball can be a game-changing one. You don’t need the strength of Novak Djokovic or the precision of Roger Federer to enjoy the game. It is a sport that rewards cleverness and reflexes more than strength and technical perfection.

This makes padel tennis a sport for everyone. You don’t need years of training to enjoy the game at a decent level. What’s more, the risk of injury is much lower than in tennis, making it a great alternative for people who want to get active but are afraid of the strain associated with other disciplines.

Where is padel tennis most popular?

Spain is the undisputed padel king today – the sport is the second most popular in the country after football. Argentina is not far behind, and the rest of Europe, with France, Italy and Sweden in the lead, is catching up fast. In recent years, padel has also taken the Middle East by storm, especially Dubai, where courts are springing up like luxury skyscrapers.

In many countries, the padel boom is just getting started, but its future looks bright – more and more courts are being built, and interest is growing among businessmen, celebrities and sports enthusiasts looking for an alternative to classic disciplines.
More and more cities are investing in padel courts, and sports clubs are recognising the potential of this discipline as a form of active leisure for a wide audience. The introduction of professional tournaments and national leagues could accelerate the development of this discipline in any country.

Stars of world padel

The Spanish and Argentinians are the kings of padel. Fernando Belasteguín is a true legend – he was the world number one for more than 16 years. He was followed by Juan Lebrón and Alejandro Galán, who are now dominating the world courts. Alejandra Salazar and Ariana Sánchez are the top female players – both from Spain, both incredibly fast and intelligent on the court. However, padel is not only popular among professionals. Many well-known athletes from other disciplines, such as football or basketball, are also padel enthusiasts. Many former tennis players, such as Juan Carlos Ferrero and David Ferrer, are actively involved in promoting padel.

Why is padel the sport of the future?

It is accessible – it literally takes a moment to learn the basics. It is dynamic – rallies are short, exciting and require cleverness. It is also incredibly social – the game is always played in pairs, so you not only compete on the court, but also cooperate. And above all, it’s a lot of fun. After all, not every sport allows you to bounce the ball off the walls like in a computer game and at the same time feel the competitive spirit worthy of the most serious sports arenas.

Will padel conquer in the world like it did Spain? If the growth in popularity continues, it is very possible that it will soon be one of the trendiest sports among people who value an active lifestyle and original challenges.

There is no denying it – padel is the future. It may not replace tennis or squash, but it will certainly find its permanent place among the most popular sports in the world. And if you haven’t had a chance to try it yet, maybe it’s time for your first visit to the court? We guarantee – one match is enough to fall in love!