5 Fun and Surprising Facts About Padel Tennis You Probably Didn't Know

December 28, 2022

Padel tennis is a sport that's quickly gaining popularity all over the world, but did you know that it's also full of fun and fascinating facts? From its origins to its current status as a global phenomenon, padel has a rich history that's full of surprises. Here are five fun facts you probably didn't know about padel tennis:

1. It was invented by an Mexican billionaire

Padel tennis was invented by Enrique Corcuera, a wealthy Mexican businessman, in 1969. Corcuera wanted to create a new sport that combined the elements of tennis and squash, and he came up with the idea of playing on a smaller court with walls. The sport quickly caught on in Mexico and Spain, and it's now played all over the world.

2. It's the fastest growing sport in the world

Padel tennis is currently the fastest growing sport in the world, with millions of players and thousands of courts in over 80 countries. In fact, it's estimated that there are over 10 million padel players worldwide, and that number is only set to grow as more and more people discover the fun and accessibility of this exciting sport.

3. It's played by celebrities and politicians

Padel tennis has become a popular pastime for celebrities and politicians around the world. Everyone from David Beckham to Vladimir Putin has been spotted playing the sport, and it's become a favorite of Spanish royalty as well. In fact, King Felipe VI of Spain is an avid padel player and even has a padel court in his palace!

4. It's a surprisingly great workout

Padel tennis might be first and foremost a fun and social sport, but it's also a great workout. Playing padel can help improve your cardiovascular health, build strength and endurance, and even boost your mood. In fact, some studies have shown that playing padel can be just as effective as running or cycling when it comes to burning calories and getting fit.

5. It has its own language

Padel tennis has a unique vocabulary that's all its own. Players use terms like "vibora" (a type of shot), "chiquita" (a short lob), and "bandeja" (a high volley) to describe different aspects of the game. Learning these terms can be a fun way to deepen your understanding and appreciation of the sport.

Hopefully you learnt in this article that padel tennis is a sport that's full of surprises, and these few fun facts are just the tip of the iceberg. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a curious newbie, there's always something new to learn and discover about this exciting and fast-growing sport. So grab your raquette and hit the court – who knows what fun and fascinating facts you'll uncover along the way!