A Brief History of Padel

Padel, also known as paddle tennis, is a racquet sport that is played in a doubles format in a court that is smaller than a tennis court. The sport has gained popularity in recent years, especially in Spain and Latin America, but its origins can be traced back to the early 20th century.

Where did padel originate?

Padel was invented in 1915 by Enrique Corcuera, a Mexican businessman who was looking for a way to play tennis on his property without having to construct a full-size tennis court. Corcuera created a court that was smaller than a tennis court and surrounded by walls that players could use to bounce the ball off of. He also used a smaller, solid rubber ball that was easier to control than a tennis ball. This new game became known as paddle tennis, and it quickly gained popularity in Mexico.

In the 1920s, paddle tennis was introduced to the United States, where it was played primarily in country clubs and private estates. The sport continued to evolve, with players experimenting with different types of balls and court surfaces.

The evolution of padel

In the 1960s, a Spanish businessman named Alfonso de Hohenlohe visited the United States and was introduced to paddle tennis. He was impressed by the sport and decided to introduce it to Spain. However, due to the fact that the name "paddle tennis" was already being used to describe a different sport in Spain, de Hohenlohe decided to call the game "padel".

Padel quickly gained popularity in Spain, and it wasn't long before the first padel club was established in Marbella. The sport continued to evolve, with players experimenting with different types of equipment and court surfaces. In the 1970s, the first padel tournament was held in Spain, and the sport began to gain recognition as a legitimate sport.

Padel's popularity today

Today, padel is played in more than 80 countries around the world, with a particularly strong following in Spain and Latin America. The sport has been recognized by the International Olympic Committee and is being considered for inclusion in the Olympics.

Padel has also undergone significant changes in recent years. The size of the court has been standardized, and the sport is now played primarily in a doubles format. The equipment used in padel has also evolved, with players now using specialized padel rackets and balls.

The growth of padel in South Africa

In South Africa, padel is a relatively new sport that is gaining popularity. The first padel court in South Africa was built in 2016, and since then, several more courts have been constructed in the country.

Padel in South Africa is primarily played in Johannesburg and Cape Town, where there are several padel clubs that offer lessons and tournaments. The sport is still relatively unknown in other parts of the country, but as more people become aware of it, it is expected to grow in popularity.

One of the reasons for the slow growth of padel in South Africa is the lack of infrastructure. While there are several padel clubs in Johannesburg and Cape Town, there are few courts in other parts of the country. This makes it difficult for people who live outside of these areas to play the sport regularly.

Despite these challenges, there is a growing interest in padel in South Africa. The sport has been featured in several local publications, and there are several social media groups dedicated to promoting the sport and connecting players.

In 2019, South Africa hosted its first international padel tournament, the South African Open. The tournament was held in Johannesburg and featured players from around the world. The event was a success, and it is expected that more international tournaments will be held in South Africa in the future.

Overall, while padel is still a relatively new sport in South Africa, it is gaining popularity, and there is a growing community of players and fans. As more courts are built and more people become aware of the sport, it is expected to continue to grow in popularity in South Africa and around the world.

Onwards and upwards

Padel has come a long way since its humble beginnings as a way to play tennis on a smaller court. Today, it is a popular sport that is played around the world and is recognized as a legitimate sport by the International Olympic Committee. As the sport continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how it develops and what changes will be made to make it even more accessible and exciting for players and fans alike.