The world's fastest-growing sport springs towards greater heights

Created in Mexico by Enrique Corcuera, Padel has been on the map since the late 1960’s. Since then, it’s been on an upward trajectory and considered a national sport in countries across the globe.

The past 25 years has seen an increasing interest in the tennis-squash hybrid game of Padel. Brought to Europe in 1974, Alfonso of Hohenlohe-Langenburg, created the first two courts in Marbella. It was there in Spain, where Argentinian and friend of Alfonso; Julio Menditeguy played the sport for the first time and brought Padel to Argentina one year later.

With Argentina and Spain among the first to adopt the game, they’re naturally dominating the courts today. In 2016, according to the Telegraph, Padel superseded tennis as Spain’s second-most popular sport. However, South American and Spanish players are not without competition. Recently a prominent surge in both the UK and Sweden has seen a profound improvement and drive in players. More players are relocating to southern Europe for study visits, training sessions and tournaments. But these top-performing countries are also looking North. Spanish World Padel Tour player, Jose Carlos Gaspar has recently made a move to Stockholm, Sweden. Working as a professional player and coach at NK Social & Padel by Ascaro, Gaspar made the Scandinavian capital his home base in Spring of 2021.

Accessible to players of all levels, Padel’s popularity stems from two factors; it’s simplicity and it’s sociability. Compared to tennis, it’s not as technically demanding and with more compact court sizes conversation is key, making it the most socially-interactive racket sport available.

With endorsements from football stars Xavi Herenandez and Christiano Ronaldo, a market for high-spec rooftop courts in Sweden, and a rise in professional tournaments across Doha and Dubai, Padel continues to evolve and holds an ever promising future.

See Padel at its best and visit Sweden’s most exclusive rooftop club. NK Social & Padel by Ascaro offers 4 professional courts, an upscale restaurant and full-service bar, all surrounded by 360 views of Stockholm city. Book your match today.