Padel Tennis' surge in popularity, explored here, complemented by the merchandise that enthusiasts can't get enough of, including the luxury Prada racket.
Padel tennis, a sport that originated in Mexico in the late 1960s and is now the second most popular sport in Spain after football, is gaining traction in the UK and beyond. This hybrid of tennis and squash, played with a bat resembling a Swingball set and decompressed tennis balls, is attracting attention not only for its unique gameplay but also for its fashionable appeal.
The game is played on a court about a third the size of a tennis court, with glass and mesh-fenced walls at the back and sides. This compact layout makes it easier than tennis, with less time spent chasing after balls that have gone out. Padel tennis has its own laid-back culture and often includes a bar, making it more social compared to traditional tennis clubs.
Fashion houses like Prada and Versace have started producing expensive padel rackets, with the Prada racket and bag set priced at an impressive £1520. The Court Club The Essential Racquet Tote, a stylish bag for your gear, retails for £159. Even celebrities like Eva Longoria, David Beckham, and Elle Macpherson are fans of this sport.
But who better to guide us through the world of padel tennis than Kerry Potter, GTG Deputy Editor, an expert in health, longevity, fitness, and sport? With a wealth of experience as a national newspaper and magazine editor and a teacher of journalism at Oxford Brookes University, Kerry Potter is more than qualified to share her insights.
Kerry Potter is no stranger to sports, with a passion for weight-training, tennis, running, and cake. She loves the social aspect of padel tennis and the opportunity it provides to enjoy a game while socialising.
The cost of playing padel varies, with prices dropping as more courts become available. In Germany, a game typically ranges from about 20€ per person for group events to around 44€ for a 60-minute court rental for up to 4 players including equipment. Monthly memberships start at approximately 33€ in some venues, with additional fees for rackets and balls.
In the UK, the Lawn Tennis Association aims to have 1,000 padel courts by the end of 2026. In 2019, there were only 40 padel courts, but the number is expected to reach 400 by the end of this year. The sport is also gaining popularity in cities like Bristol, with some people even building their own courts in their backyards.
The wealthy set at clubs like the Bamford Club in the Cotswolds and Babington House in Somerset are also embracing padel tennis. With its combination of sport, socialising, and fashion, it's no wonder that this sport is on the rise.
So, whether you're a seasoned athlete or a social butterfly, padel tennis might just be the sport for you. Give it a try and join the growing community of padel enthusiasts!
Written by Kerry Potter.
