Padel tennis has become immensely popular in the United Kingdom, capturing the attention of players both locally and internationally. Originating in Mexico in the late 1960s, this combination of squash and tennis has experienced a surge in popularity in recent years, with courts popping up across Greater Manchester and the Northwest, providing regular games for enthusiasts.
Andrew Paterson, a 47-year-old Freelance Data Protection and Cybersecurity Consultant from Manchester, was introduced to the sport during a surprise date with his wife, Jane. He believes that the game’s appeal lies in its accessibility to beginners, with a smaller court, underarm serves, and the convenience of the PlayTomic app, which facilitates matching players of similar skill levels for doubles matches.
Padel sets itself apart as a doubles-only game, played on a smaller, enclosed surface. The game begins with an underarm serve over the net, followed by shots that must bounce before reaching the opponent. Although padel demands less athleticism than tennis, it requires coordination, agility, and tactical prowess. Andrew, considering a holiday in northern Spain centred around padel, recognizes the strategic elements of the sport as pivotal to its allure.
The increase in padel-equipped centres has led to a higher demand for equipment, as highlighted by Ewan Ramsden, the founder of Everything Padel. Ewan underscores the sport’s increasing popularity, not only in the UK but also in the Middle East, Spain, Argentina, and other European nations. However, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining accessibility to prevent padel from becoming an exclusive pursuit for the affluent.
Ewan’s sentiment of inclusivity resonates with the essence of padel – an inviting and sociable sport, offering a platform for friendly competition and camaraderie. As more people discover the joys of padel, the sport’s infectious appeal continues to grow, transcending borders and captivating the hearts of players worldwide.