Padel’s story begins in an unexpected place: a private home in Acapulco, Mexico, in 1969. It all started with Enrique Corcuera, a businessman with limited space who wanted a tennis court at his home. Instead, he designed a smaller version, enclosed by walls to keep the ball from bouncing out. This modified court quickly turned into an entirely new game, where players could hit the ball off the walls, adding a strategic twist that felt part tennis, part squash, and 100% engaging.
This unique game didn’t stay in Acapulco for long. Corcuera’s friend, Alfonso de Hohenlohe, a Spanish aristocrat, visited Enrique and was captivated by the game’s social and strategic aspects. Upon returning to Spain, he brought padel along with him, creating the first two courts in Marbella in the early 1970s. These courts quickly attracted local interest, and soon, padel was taking root in Spain. Padel became not just a sport, but a social activity, especially popular in Spain’s coastal cities, where players could enjoy the game under the sun.
Padel also gained a following in Argentina around this time, where it became a beloved national sport. By the 1990s, Argentina was experiencing a padel boom, with over two million players and padel courts cropping up throughout the country. To this day, Argentina and Spain are the world’s padel giants, producing top players and hosting tournaments on the global stage. The World Padel Tour, established in 2013, has brought professional players from both countries and beyond to compete in front of thousands of fans, bringing the sport even more recognition.
Back in Europe, padel continued to grow, eventually making its way to the UK, where it was initially played by a small group of enthusiasts. However, interest surged as people discovered padel’s unique charm—a sport that combined agility, strategy, and social connection. Recognising padel’s potential, the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) began promoting it, helping to build more courts and raise awareness. Today, padel courts can be found across many UK cities, from London to Manchester, and the sport is growing rapidly.
The Future of Padel in the UK
Looking ahead, padel seems to have a bright future in the UK. The sport’s social, accessible nature makes it a perfect fit for people of all ages. As more clubs and communities adopt padel, it’s easy to imagine a future where it’s as common as tennis or squash, with local leagues, tournaments, and thriving clubs across the country. With continued support from the LTA and padel’s appeal, it’s only a matter of time before the UK becomes a padel powerhouse in its own right.
Ready to Join the Padel Movement?
Now that you know the story of padel, why not be part of its future? Find a local court, grab a racket, and experience this fast-growing sport for yourself!