Why Padel Is More Than Just a Game – It’s a Community

In recent months, the sports world has been buzzing about the rapid rise of padel and its impact on traditional tennis clubs. Last month, even tennis legend Novak Djokovic voiced concerns about this shift. But instead of viewing padel as a threat, tennis clubs should see it as the nudge they need to adapt to changing times. As the founder of Padium, the UK’s premier padel operator, I believe padel is on track to revolutionise the sport landscape, offering a fresh and inclusive alternative that resonates with today’s players.

Addressing Djokovic’s Concerns

Novak Djokovic is right to point out the challenges traditional tennis clubs are facing. The growing popularity of padel is undeniable, and it’s forcing tennis to rethink its approach. Many tennis clubs have been slow to evolve, clinging to an elitist model that hasn’t adapted to modern times. Meanwhile, padel has exploded onto the scene, offering something fresh and exciting that resonates with today’s players. The growth of padel is impossible to ignore with celebrities that include David Beckham, Lionel Messi, and even tennis greats themselves such as Andy Murrary and Rafael Nadal joining the trend. The numbers speak for themselves with over 50 new padel clubs opening every week globally (Playtomic Global Padel Report 2024). It’s clear that padel is more than just a trend, it’s a movement that’s here to stay.

But instead of seeing this as a rivalry, it’s time to understand why padel is capturing so much attention and this may provide tennis clubs with some answers. 

The Appeal of Padel: Why It’s Grabbing All the Attention

Padel’s rise has caught everyone’s attention for a few simple reasons. First off, it’s easy to get started. Unlike tennis, which can be tough to learn, padel is much more accessible for beginners. You can jump into a game with little to no experience, have a rally and have a great time. This ease of entry makes it appealing to anyone looking to try something new without a steep learning curve. But don’t be fooled—padel isn’t just a casual game. It’s got layers that make it tough to master, keeping people hooked. It’s also a social sport by nature. 

The Social Magic of Padel: Why It’s More Than Just a Game

Unlike tennis, where the skill gap can make matches feel isolating, padel is all about inclusion and interaction—perfect for those looking to enjoy a sport while connecting with others. The smaller courts and emphasis on doubles means more interaction and more fun, regardless of their experience level. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, padel helps level the playing field, making it easy to mix and mingle. It’s not just a sport—it’s a social experience that brings people together in a way traditional tennis often doesn’t. And often can’t. 

At Padium, we witness this social magic every day with people of all walks of life entering our venue. People aren’t just playing a game; they’re meeting new friends and building a community. I’ve personally met many incredible individuals through open matches at our club.

Padium’s Vision: Leading Padel’s Remarkable Story 

At Padium, we’re committed to being at the forefront of this padel boom. Our focus is entirely on creating the best possible experience for padel players in a premium, unforgettable setting. From our top-notch facilities to our expert coaching, and from our special events to the Pro-Am tournaments we’ve held, we’re dedicated to setting the standard for padel in the UK and becoming the nation’s number one padel operator. We believe that by focusing solely on padel, we can offer something truly special—an environment where people come together to enjoy a sport that’s as social as it is competitive.

Padel’s rise is no accident. It’s a sport that perfectly captures the modern desire for accessibility, fun, and community. As tennis clubs grapple with how to stay relevant, padel is showing the way forward and making itself appealing to a modern, young audience. We’re excited to lead this charge, offering a padel experience that’s unmatched anywhere in the UK and setting the stage for what’s to come in the fast-changing world of racket sports.

The author is Houman Ashrafzadeh, Founder of Padium