Anyone for padel, the world’s fastest-growing mashup sport? – Padel Africa’s James Baber and Craig Ireland

Padel, a sport that blends elements of tennis and squash, has taken the world by storm, particularly in Spain, Sweden, and Portugal, where it has gained more players than traditional tennis. Some have likened the sport that originated in Mexico in the 1960s to "squash in the sun," while others call it "tennis with training wheels." Despite only a few years of development, padel has already amassed a big following, leading to significant demand for equipment such as rackets, balls, and accessories. Footballers, high-profile tennis champions like Serena Williams and Andy Murray, along with celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio, have become fans of the game. Around 25 million people worldwide play padel, with Spain boasting six million players. In South Africa, the sport is also rapidly taking off. James Baber and Craig Ireland from Africa Padel told Biznews that the sport was virtually unknown in South Africa until 2020 when the first court arrived and now corporates are starting to organise padel days instead of golf days. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices