Weekly News Roundup: Padel Fever and Rising Popularity Among Sports Enthusiasts
Discover the latest updates in the Padel world, from the booming popularity in the Middle East to the exciting integration of Padel with other racket sports.
This week’s news highlights the unstoppable rise of Padel across different regions and sports communities. From its surge in the Middle East to becoming a favorite pastime for F1 drivers, Padel is making waves globally. Dive into these stories to catch up on the latest trends and developments in the Padel world!
Middle East Embraces Padel: Saudi Arabia and UAE Lead the Charge
Padel, a sport that blends the strategic finesse of tennis with a strong social element, has been experiencing an unprecedented surge in popularity across the Middle East. With over 3,200 courts across Asia, 85 percent of these are in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia alone has more than 320 clubs and 900 courts. Hamad Sulaiman al-Zamil, owner of Padel Club Saudi, notes the rapid growth and the sport's appeal, highlighting how it’s becoming a community-centered activity.
- Read more on Al Arabiya English
Premier Padel Malaga P1: Over 15,000 Tickets Sold for Upcoming Event
The Premier Padel Andalucia Malaga P1, one of the biggest Padel tournaments, is set to take place from July 6-14 at the Martin Carpena sports complex in Malaga. With over 15,000 tickets sold a month before the event, it promises an exciting atmosphere, particularly during the final stages. Top players like Tapia, Coello, Galan, and Chingotto will compete, drawing huge interest from Padel fans.
F1 Drivers Swap Helmets for Rackets: Padel's Popularity Soars in Formula One
Padel has become a favorite pastime among Formula One drivers. Off the track, drivers like Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri have been spotted playing Padel together. Piastri shared on the Stompcast podcast that playing Padel is a fun way to stay active and awake, especially since he doesn’t drink coffee. The sport’s growing popularity among these competitive athletes highlights its appeal as a social and physical activity.
Tennis, Pickleball, and Padel: French Open Embraces the Racket Sport Trio
The French Tennis Federation (FFT) is embracing pickleball and Padel alongside tennis, aiming to attract more people to these racket sports. Amélie Mauresmo, French Open tournament director, participated in a pickleball demonstration, highlighting its easy-to-learn nature. FFT president Gilles Moretton believes that these sports can coexist and help promote physical activity and enjoyment.
Seoul's New Sports Craze: Padel Takes the Stage in South Korea
Padel is making its mark in Seoul, South Korea, with new courts opening in the city. The sport, described as a mix of tennis and squash, is gaining popularity among business elites and sports enthusiasts. The new M move Padel Lounge in central Seoul offers a stylish and high-tech environment for players, highlighting the sport’s growing appeal as a fashionable and social activity.
- Read more on Korea JoongAng Daily
Video of the Week
Check out this highlight reel from Day 7 of the “Banco De Chile Santiago Premier Padel P1 (Men)
That wraps up this week! Head over to Padel Mecca for all your padel needs and stay tuned for more exciting updates. See you on the court!