Padel: From Its Birth in the '90s to the Global Boom

In the 1990s, Argentina experienced a sporting phenomenon that changed the course of my life. When I discovered this magnificent sport in its early days, I set aside all my Maradonian dreams to dedicate myself fully and passionately to becoming a professional player.

In 1994, at the age of 16, I played one of the most memorable matches of my life against one of the world’s top 10 players at the time: Alejandro "Pollo" Novillo. Although I was defeated, it became a moment of motivation and encouragement for my young career. In the photo, where we are flipping a coin for the serve with “Pollo,” you can see the paddles of that era: made of wood, very thin, with a thickness (22 mm) that today would look like beach paddles. They were heavy but full of history, with a thunderous sound that marked each hit like the heartbeat of a sport in its infancy.

Why did I fall in love with padel? I believe it’s for the same reasons the world is falling in love with it today:

1. Physical accessibility
2. Fast learning curve
3. Socialization and fun
4. Variety of skill levels
5. Inclusive community
6. Physical and mental benefits
7. Easy to organize

Padel is a sport that perfectly balances fun, accessibility, and the opportunity for self-improvement, creating a unique experience that captivates people of all ages and skill levels.

The exponential growth of padel

During those years, padel grew exponentially. We went from playing on cement courts to modern complexes with synthetic grass and glass structures. Paddles evolved: wood gave way to fiberglass and carbon fiber, and the sport began to professionalize, attracting thousands of players and spectators worldwide.

Thirty years later, padel is a global phenomenon.

International competitions now boast world-class infrastructure and media coverage that was unimaginable in the 1990s.

Yet every time I pick up a padel racket, I can’t help but recall that unique feeling from those early matches. Nostalgia takes me back to the days when padel was simple, passionate, and genuine. It was a time when we shared more than a sport; we shared a dream.

Being part of that era is an honor I carry in my heart. Even today, when I look at a photo of that 16-year-old boy who played against Pollo Novillo, I feel that a part of me remains there, on those cement and wood courts, living the magic of padel in its purest form.

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