History

Padel, a rapidly growing racquet sport, has a relatively short history compared to traditional sports like tennis or golf. Padel originated in Mexico in the 1960s and has since gained popularity worldwide. In less than six decades, it has evolved from a niche pastime to a global phenomenon. The origins of padel can be traced back to 1969 when Enrique Corcuera, a wealthy Mexican, constructed the first padel court in Acapulco. He designed this new racquet sport to be played on a smaller court with solid walls and using a shorter tennis racket. It seems that walls were constructed around his garden in order to prevent the tennis ball from bouncing onto his neighbor’s house. Padel was envisioned as a way to entertain guests at Corcuera’s private residence. Its immediate success among Corcuera’s friends and family laid the foundation for the sport’s expansion.

The growth of padel was primarily confined to Mexico in its early years, but it started to spread to other Spanish-speaking countries in the 1970s. Padel’s popularity grew, especially in Spain, where it became a common recreational activity. The sport received a significant boost when Alfonso de Hohenlohe, a Spanish nobleman, introduced it to Marbella in 1974, where he built two courts at his Marbella Club Hotel. This was the first European Padel Club. The year after, in 1975, Argentine millionaire Julio Menditeguy imported the sport to his country, after he discovered it in Marbella. Since then, padel’s growth in Argentina was extraordinary. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, padel’s popularity continued to soar in Spain and South America. In 1991 the Spanish Padel Federation (FEP) was established and representatives from the Spanish, Argentinian and Uruguayan padel associations held a meeting in Madrid where the International Paddle Federation (FIP) was formed to oversee and promote the sport.

This development marked a turning point in the sport’s history, as it formalized rules, standardized court dimensions, and organized competitions. Padel was on its way to becoming a legitimate sport. The first World Padel Championship, hosted by the International Padel Federation, was held in Madrid with the finals being played at Expo 92 World Fair in Seville. The first participants were Argentina, Spain, UK and France. The 21st century witnessed a surge in padel’s popularity, both in Spain and across the world. Spain hosted several international tournaments, including the World Padel Championships. Padel clubs sprouted across Europe, South America, and even parts of Asia.

One of the key factors contributing to padel’s appeal is its accessibility. Padel courts are easier and cheaper to build than traditional tennis courts, and the sport’s rules are simple, making it more inviting to newcomers. Padel’s unique enclosed court design, with glass walls and wire mesh, allows spectators to get up close to the action, adding to its entertainment value. In 2005, the Padel Pro Tour (PPT) was created, the first professional circuit of tournaments where international players competed for world ranking points and positions. In 2012, the Padel Pro Tour merged with the International Padel Federation (FIP) to form the World Padel Tour (WPT). The WPT became the leading international padel circuit, organizing tournaments in Spain, Argentina and other countries, and attracting top-ranked players from around the world.

In 2017, the International Olympic Committee provisionally recognized padel, further enhancing its status as a legitimate sport on the international stage.

The growth of professional padel tournaments, such as the World Padel Tour, has attracted top athletes from tennis and other racquet sports, increasing the sport’s competitiveness and drawing a wider audience. The sport’s expanding fan base and media coverage have contributed to the proliferation of padel courts in various countries. As of 2022, padel continues to thrive, with more than 20 million players worldwide and a presence in over 90 countries. It is considered one of the fastest-growing sports globally. Padel’s journey from a Mexican backyard pastime to a global phenomenon is a testament to its appeal and the enduring power of innovation in sports. In conclusion, the history of padel is a tale of rapid growth and global acceptance. From its humble beginnings in Mexico in the 1960s, it has evolved into a thriving international sport with millions of enthusiastic players and a strong professional circuit. With its unique court design, accessibility, and entertaining gameplay, padel’s future looks promising as it continues to captivate players and fans around the world.