In Latin America, the emerging sport of padel is shedding its elitist image to spread in the United States, starting from Miami, where the practice is budding.
A racquet sport that blends tennis and squash, padel is played in doubles on a court surrounded by glass walls.
Argentinian Fernando Belasteguin, considered the greatest player of all time, believes that padel is the sport of the future. He mentions that it is easy to learn, fun, and social.
Belasteguin, who retired in 2024, now runs the professional Miami Premier Padel tournament with a prize fund of nearly $480,000. The recent edition saw another victory for the Argentine Federico Chingotto and the Spaniard Alejandro Galan.
The dominance of Argentina and Spain in the top 50 world players, both men and women, hinders padel’s Olympic ambitions for 2036. Miami hosts the only American stop on the Qatar-sponsored Premier Padel World Tour, drawing over 5,000 fans to the final event.
In Florida, the Latin American community, familiar with the Hispanic-rooted sport, has embraced padel amidst the pandemic. Courts are popping up in clubs, public parks, and luxury hotels to meet the demand of enthusiasts.
While Florida holds 40% of the courts in the USA, the sport remains minor compared to Argentina (7,000 courts) and Mexico (2,500). Pickleball, a more popular and accessible sport, has been favored in the US.
Padel originated in Mexico in the late 1960s before spreading to Argentina, Spain, and eventually Miami, known as a Latin American hub. The sport is gaining a diverse fan base with increasing interest from American and European clients.
The friendliness and social aspect of padel attract players like 34-year-old lawyer Danny O’Neill, who also appreciates the networking opportunities the sport offers. The sustainable growth of padel clubs hinges on creating a convivial atmosphere.
Sergio Montaner, owner of Wynwood Padel Club, believes that the sport’s elitist perception can be countered by making it more inclusive, ensuring regular clientele to sustain the business.
Celebrities like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Max Verstappen have promoted padel through social media, while others like Rafael Nadal, Neymar, and Zinédine Zidane have invested in their own padel facilities.
Published on April 3 at 10:56 PM by AFP.
