Invented in 1969 by Mexican businessman Enrique Corcuera in Acapulco, padel combines elements of tennis and squash on an enclosed glass-and-mesh court using solid, stringless rackets. The sport initially spread through Spain and South America before evolving into a global phenomenon, with the International Padel Federation (FIP) reporting over 25 million active players worldwide. Its accessible doubles format, fast-paced rallies, and social nature have driven massive growth across Europe, the Middle East, and social media platforms.

• ltapadel.org.uk
• wikipedia.org
• padelinsider.de