The padel sport, created in 1969, is now played by 25 million people in 110 different countries
After beach tennis, spinning, and street running, padel is the latest sport to debut on the luxury radar. Padel is a perfect mix of tennis and squash, founded by Enrique Corcuera, a Mexican businessman who installed the first-ever court in his house in 1969.
Padel’s popularity has been rising worldwide over the last two years, with 25 million active players in 110 countries. Today, the sport is played professionally in Mexico, Scandinavia, and Southern Europe, and it is expected to become an Olympic sport by 2032. Last year, Qatar Sports Investments, the company that owns the French football team Paris Saint-Germain, also bought the World Padel Tour, which manages the sport.
Padel sport has similarities with pickleball but is played in private clubs such as Reserve and Padel Haus. It is always two teams of two players facing off against each other. Padel is played either indoors or outdoors on a small court with artificial grass and surrounded by glass walls. Compared to tennis, the rules and scoring are almost the same, but padel racquets are smaller and heavier.
Photo Credit: Freepik
Due to the wealth of most padel players and the sport’s recent rise, there’s a perception that participating in it grants membership to an elite group. Wearing padel-related merchandise and club gear is seen as a status symbol.
Even though padel doesn’t require specialized clothing for playing (players usually wear their tennis outfits), brands of padel apparel are being launched, such as the London-based Pulco Studios. The equipment is being sold by Adidas, Wilson, and Babolat.
Valentino is another brand that has entered the padel world. Back in February, the Italian label transformed the courts and padel balls of the Matcha Club in Dubai. Racquets are being sold by Prada and Versace, including a set with a case and padel balls.
Photo credit: Instagram @matchadxb
The inaugural Padel Classic tournament, presented by the esteemed British luxury brand Dunhill, is set to take place later this month at The Hurlingham Club, a prestigious sports club in West London. This exclusive event, by invitation only, promises to showcase the sport’s top talents.
Reserve, the Padel Club, is committed to defining the quintessential Padel aesthetic. Their range of branded sportswear and casual attire, available at their club outlets in various locations, features elegant black tracksuit ensembles and stylish white mini tennis skirts, drawing inspiration from the timeless sophistication of country club fashion.
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