It’s a mixture of tennis, squash and an online dating service all rolled into one that is sweeping across SA.
Padel, billed as one of the world’s fastest growing sports, is a condensed version of tennis played with smaller bats and balls and has grown from a handful of courts in SA three years ago to about 200.
The best international Padel players kick-started the 2023 A1Padel professional tournament in Cape Town at the weekend, which runs until February 19.
“This is like a new wave of sport that guys are taking on,” said Craig Ireland from Africa Padel, which owns about 40 courts countrywide, including some at the V&A Waterfront and four in Johannesburg. “Padel is definitely cannibalising some of the [other] sports clubs. Guys are looking to give up some [other] courts to make space for Padel courts.”
The sport has expanded in tandem with digital technology, allowing players to book games via digital apps, or local WhatsApp groups. There are indoor and outdoor courts, and many of the clubs host social events.
It’s such a great sport because it is available to young and old. Even if you haven’t learnt squash or tennis you can get it into quite easily.
— Craig Ireland, Africa Padel
Padel started in Mexico in the 1960s but only really took off in recent years. Courts are about 25% smaller than a tennis court and is usually played in doubles format — a pair on either side of the net. Unlike tennis, players serve underarm and shots can be played off the court walls.
“It’s such a great sport because it is available to young and old. Even if you haven’t learnt squash or tennis you can get it into quite easily,” said Ireland.
Player Paulo do Carmo, a commentator at the A1Padel tournament, said the sport’s rise was spectacular. “When we started playing there were only a handful of us — we needed to find people to play.
“Then just before Covid-19 it started taking off — I don’t really know why,” he said, adding it was now played in 90 countries and may be included as an Olympic Sport by 2028. He knew of 40 courts under construction, with the sport even reaching Beaufort West and Potchefstroom.
Cape Padel director Brian Gardner said its popularity was linked to the social aspect and advent of digitally savvy sports clubs using apps for bookings and payment. “There is an app used worldwide — you book a game, each person pays their own way — it’s pretty straightforward to use,” he said. “There are a large amount of top ex-tennis players who are playing Padel. It’s quicker, faster and easier to play.”
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