The Global Ascent of Padel Tennis

A new racquet sport is sweeping across Britain, filling courts, attracting major investment, and drawing players from complete beginners to seasoned athletes. Once a little-known pastime, padel has rapidly become one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, with London now hosting its first elite professional tournament. In this episode, we explore the remarkable rise of padel, examining why this fast-paced blend of tennis and squash has captured the imagination of millions despite arriving relatively late to the British sporting scene. We look at the factors driving its explosive growth—from its easy-to-learn rules and compact courts to its strong social appeal and expanding commercial ecosystem. We also consider the challenges that remain, including limited court availability, high booking costs, and competition with established sports like tennis. The story reveals how padel is redefining the racquet sports landscape, raising the possibility that today's emerging pastime could become tomorrow's Olympic sport.https://www.economist.com/britain/2026/08/03/millions-play-padel-will-anyone-watch-it