Padel: A History of Racket Sport’s Meteoric Rise from Backyard to Global Stage

Padel, the captivating racket sport blending elements of tennis and squash, has taken the world by storm. But how did this once niche game evolve into a global phenomenon? Let’s dive into its fascinating history, marked by innovation, passion, and accessibility.

Birth in Acapulco (1969)

Padel is a racquet sport that originated in Mexico in the late 1960s. Enrique Corcuera, a Mexican businessman, is credited with inventing the game.

Initially, the game was played on his private estate, where a squash court was ingeniously transformed. However, the original setup featured concrete walls and limited viewing, which initially dampened its appeal.

But its popularity quickly spread throughout Mexico and later to other Spanish-speaking countries.

Spanish Embrace and Growth

The sport gained traction in Spain in the 1970s when Alfonso de Hohenlohe, a friend of Corcuera, introduced it to Marbella. Padel gained widespread popularity in Spain, becoming a favorite pastime among people of all ages and backgrounds.

The first padel courts were built in Spain in the mid-1970s, and the sport continued to evolve over the following decades.

Its fun, social nature and smaller court resonated, particularly in Spain and Argentina. Millions of players and thousands of courts emerged, solidifying its popularity. In 1993, Spain officially recognized “paddle” as a sport, standardizing rules.

Professionalization and Development

In the 1990s, padel started to spread beyond Spain, gaining popularity in other European countries and across Latin America. The sport continued to grow internationally, with the establishment of federations and associations promoting its development and organizing tournaments.

In the 21st century, padel experienced a surge in popularity worldwide, particularly in countries like Argentina, Brazil, and Sweden. Professional padel tours emerged, offering competitive opportunities for players at all levels. The International Padel Federation (FIP) was founded in 1991 to oversee the sport’s international governance and promote its growth globally.

Person Holding Black and Green Tennis Racket

Windows of a building in Nuremberg, Germany

Present and Global Expansion

The 2005 launch of the Padel Pro Tour marked a turning point. The sport exploded in popularity, especially in Europe and South America. New professional tours like the World Padel Tour (WPT) attracted top players and sponsors, fueling excitement and growth. New court construction boomed, making padel more accessible worldwide.

Today, padel is played by millions of people around the world and is considered one of the fastest-growing sports. Padel’s outdoor, non-contact nature led to a surge in popularity during the pandemic. It has attracted attention from both recreational players and professional athletes, with tournaments held at various levels, including national championships, international competitions, and professional tours.