Padel is one of the fastest-growing racket sports in the world, but when did it all begin?

Padel was invented in 1969 by Enrique Corcuera in Mexico. It quickly gained popularity in Spain and Argentina before expanding worldwide.

Its rise has been fueled by its accessibility, social aspect, and fast-paced gameplay. Padel is a racket sport played on an enclosed court with walls¹, using solid rackets and a low-compression tennis ball², emphasizing strategy and teamwork.

When did padel become a sport?

Padel evolved from a backyard pastime into a globally recognized sport.

Padel became an official sport in 1974 when it was introduced in Spain. The first international padel tournament was held in 1992, solidifying its competitive status.

Key Milestones in Padel History

Year	Event
1969	Enrique Corcuera invents padel in Acapulco, Mexico.
1974	Padel is introduced to Spain by Alfonso de Hohenlohe.
1991	International Padel Federation (FIP)3 is founded.
1992	First World Padel Championships are held.
2005	World Padel Tour (WPT)4 is established.

Today, padel is played in over 90 countries, with growing professional and amateur circuits.

Why is padel suddenly so popular?

Padel’s growth has skyrocketed in recent years, but what’s driving this surge?

Padel is gaining popularity due to its easy learning curve, social appeal, and increasing investment in courts and tournaments worldwide.

Factors Behind Padel's Popularity

Factor	Impact
Easy to Learn	Shorter rackets and smaller courts make it accessible for beginners.
Social Sport	Mostly played in doubles, making it fun and engaging.
Media Exposure	Celebrities and athletes are promoting the sport.
Infrastructure Growth	More clubs and courts are being built globally.

Countries like Spain, Sweden, and the UAE are seeing explosive growth in padel facilities and participation.

What is padel called in America?

Padel is expanding in the U.S., but its name can sometimes be confusing.

In the United States, padel is often referred to as "padel tennis⁵" to distinguish it from platform tennis and pickleball.

How Padel Compares to Other U.S. Racket Sports

Sport	Court Type	Racket Type	Popularity Level
Padel	Enclosed glass court	Solid racket	Growing
Tennis	Open court	Strung racket	Very Popular
Pickleball	Smaller open court	Paddle	Fastest Growing
Platform Tennis	Small court with screens	Solid paddle	Niche

Padel is still emerging in the U.S., but new clubs and professional events are helping raise awareness.

Is padel for the rich?

Padel has a reputation as an exclusive sport, but is it really only for the wealthy?

Padel was once considered a sport for the wealthy due to private clubs and expensive rackets, but its growing accessibility is making it more affordable worldwide.

Padel's Cost Breakdown

Expense	Price Range
Court Fees	$10–$40 per session (varies by region)
Racket Cost	$50–$400 depending on quality
Club Membership	Optional, varies by location

While some exclusive clubs charge high fees, public courts and affordable equipment are making padel more accessible to all players.

Conclusion

Padel began in Mexico in 1969 and has since evolved into a global sport, gaining rapid popularity due to its accessibility and social nature. While once seen as a sport for the wealthy, it is becoming more widely available, with increasing court installations and affordable equipment options worldwide.