Continually stretching it’s popularity around the world, Padel, like it’s gameplay format, has a unique origins story.
With roots tracing back to Spanish speaking Latin America, Padel has become a worldwide phenomenon, with increasing popularity and coverage in Spain, Mexico, Italy and Andorra as well as Hispanic American countries such as Argentina, continuing its course over European countries.
Fancy your hand at Padel? Check out everything you need to know before you play. [LINK]
Back to Basics
Originating in 1969 as a less popular variant of Platform Tennis, Padel, or paddle tennis, has grown ever more popular in recent years.
In Acapulco, Mexico, Enrique Corcuera, now considered the inventor of Padel, adapted his outdoor squash court to include elements of Platform Tennis, which in turn created what he called “Paddle Corcuera”.
In 1974, Alfonso of Hohenlohe-Langenburg, Enrique’s Spanish friend, loved the creation so much that he went on to create the first two Padel courts with a few additional features in a Tennis club in Marbella. He added his own modifications to make the game more competitive, and at the same time, an Argintinian member of Alfonso’s Tennis club shared equal passion and took the game over to Argentina, increasing it’s reach and popularity around the world.
Padel Today
Fast-forward to 2005, Padel in Spain has become established, with 100 clubs across the country with the main Padel world championships played mostly in Spain. Today, Padel is considered the fastest growing sport in the world.
Since the invention of Padel in the late 60s, we’ve seen a steady incline and a huge increase in interest around the world. The World Padel Series was founded in 2013 and now holds the title of the most prestigious professional Padel championship. Although predominantly played in Spain, countries including Andorra, Argentina, Monaco, Portugal, United States and United Arab Emirates all hold tournaments that run alongside this new championship.
