Padel chief: A sport which succeeds in London gets noticed around the world
Ahead of the London Premier Padel P1 in August Luigi Carraro makes the case for the capital and why sport loves the city.
What I have always loved about London is that it knows a sport worth watching when it sees one. The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games was no better example of that – an incredible month showing unique sporting disciplines. It is this openness which has helped the NFL, NBA and Formula E build passionate fanbases here in the UK.
This is why the world’s professional padel tour – Premier Padel – arriving in London is a significant moment for our sport. Padel is not a British sport. It has its roots in Spain, Argentina and Mexico, but it is now being discovered across Europe, the Middle East and Latin America. The UK is starting its journey – but already the growth has been remarkable. New clubs are opening every day and courts are bustling from morning until evening. Those who never picked up a racket two years ago are now playing every week.
Capital embraces sport
London naturally embraces cultures and traditions and its newfound love for padel is just another example of that. Some of those playing have learned the game whilst living in Madrid, others may have discovered it on holiday or played have with colleagues from Argentina or Italy. They introduce it to a family member or friend and – before too long – a sport which was unfamiliar a couple of years ago no longer feels new.
There is a genuine curiosity from the British public to learn more about the professional side of the sport. The world’s best players will compete in London for the first time when Premier Padel arrives at Olympia – it is a sell out from Thursday to Sunday. Those lucky enough to see the professionals for the very first time will be surprised by the speed, athleticism and its theatre – it is unlike almost anything else you will see in racket sports. Television captures some of this – but being courtside is a very different experience and you quickly understand why the sport has grown rapidly.
Padel in town
Padel’s rise can’t be ignored. Premier Padel stages tournaments across 16 countries and is broadcast across 244 territories – attracting audiences which would have been unimaginable a few years ago.
London plays an important part in this story too. It is not simply another destination on the calendar, but it remains one of the world’s most influential sporting cities – a sport which succeeds in London gets noticed around the world.
This is why August’s tournament in London is important to the International Padel Federation and the growth of our sport. There is a moment in every new city where someone comes to a tournament out of curiosity and wondering what padel is. They always leave asking where they can play and where the nearest court is.
London is a restless sporting city which has always remained curious. It has always rewarded great sport and I believe padel will be next.
Luigi Carraro is President of the International Padel Federation