Padel, a Spanish racket sport, is experiencing a surge in popularity in the UK, with the number of amateur players soaring to 1 million, up from just 15,000 in 2019. The sport's first elite tournament in the UK, the London Premier Padel P1, is being held at Olympia in London, showcasing the world's top players.
Rapid growth and investment
There are now around 2,000 courts at over 600 venues across the country, ranging from indoor warehouses to private clubs and park courts. The sport has attracted investment from celebrities like David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Lionel Messi, as well as French President Emmanuel Macron. British rapper Stormzy has invested in a network of London clubs called Padel Social Club.
“Padel isn’t just another sport,” Stormzy said. “It’s got something that draws everyone in, whether you’re new to the game or already hooked, as I am.”
Why padel is easy to pick up
Padel is played on a smaller court than tennis, with walls and wire mesh, and is often described as a hybrid of tennis and squash. The balls are lower pressure, and serves are underarm, making it accessible for beginners. “It’s a sport that, once you try it, you just love it,” said Louie Harris, the UK's number-two-ranked male player. “It’s very accessible, very easy to play. It doesn’t really matter what age you are or if you’re not physically the most able.”
Costs and challenges
Despite its growth, court hire can be expensive, with some London venues charging up to £100 per hour. Tom Murray, head of padel at the Lawn Tennis Association, works with local authorities to encourage court installation but warns against the boom-and-bust seen in Sweden, where thousands of courts were built and later deconstructed.
“The boom and bust that happened in Sweden is a blessing in disguise,” Murray said. “Here, it’s going to be more sustainable growth because of that. We’re growing more slowly.”
Olympic ambitions
Padel is expected to make its Olympic debut by 2036, according to Murray. “It’s heading the way of becoming an Olympic sport. Everyone’s being very optimistic,” he said. However, the UK still lacks top-tier players, with only Catherine Rose ranked in the world top 100 at number 97.
Despite this, Harris remains optimistic: “There’s no reason why you can’t make it here. I really hope so. But it’s going to take a little bit longer.”
