Who Invented Padel Tennis?

The story behind the popular sport

Padel tennis is now one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. With simple rules, social interaction, and the ability to be played across ages and skill levels, it's no wonder the sport has taken the world by storm. But who actually invented padel tennis? Where did it all begin? And how did it evolve into the sport we know today?

Join us on a journey through the history of padel tennis, from Mexico to Europe and beyond.

A Rich Man, an Idea, and a Squash Court

Enrique Corcuera: The Father of Padel Tennis

The story of padel begins in the 1960s in the Mexican city of Acapulco. Here lived Enrique Corcuera, a wealthy businessman with a passion for entertaining friends at his luxurious summer home.

Corcuera had a squash court at his residence, but he was frustrated by the balls constantly flying off the court and ending up with the neighbors. So, he started experimenting: he built high walls around the court and reduced its size. Inspired by platform tennis – a sport originating from cruise ships in the 1800s – Corcuera created a new version of the game with some key differences:

• A smaller court (10 x 20 meters) enclosed by walls
• A bat instead of a racket, making it easier to handle
• A lighter ball, requiring less strength and precision

Corcuera named his creation 'Paddle Corcuera', and the game quickly became a favorite among his guests. What started as an activity for a few soon became a sport destined to go global.

From Mexico to Europe – Prince Alfonso Sees the Potential

The Role of the Spanish Connection

Among Corcuera’s guests was Prince Alfonso of Hohenlohe, a Spanish businessman based at the luxurious Marbella Club on Spain’s Costa del Sol. He was immediately fascinated by the sport and decided to bring it back to Spain.

In 1974, Prince Alfonso built two padel courts at the Marbella Club, but he made a key change: instead of concrete walls, he used a metal fence, which made the game more dynamic and spectator-friendly. This became the version of padel we know today.

Prince Alfonso was more than just a fan; he invited celebrities and royals to play the sport at Marbella, helping to popularize it as a social game for the elite.

Argentina: Julio Menditeguy Brings the Game to South America

Padel Becomes a People’s Sport

While padel was gaining popularity on the Spanish coast, another Marbella Club guest, wealthy Argentine Julio Menditeguy, also fell in love with the sport. He brought padel to Argentina, building courts at holiday resorts and clubs.

At first, it was a sport for the rich, but in the 1980s padel exploded in popularity in Argentina. It became accessible to everyone: courts sprang up in tennis clubs and cities, and people began playing the game en masse.

A major turning point came in 1989, when Argentine Jorge Galeotti invented a portable glass court. This innovation made padel ideal for television broadcasts, boosting its visibility and appeal. Soon after, padel was officially declared the second most popular sport in Argentina, only behind football.

Padel Becomes a Global Sport

International Growth and Organization

In 1991, the International Padel Federation was founded, and the first World Championship in padel took place the following year. Spain and Argentina have dominated the sport from the start, but today many other countries have joined in.

Padel has now spread across continents, especially in:

• Europe – Spain, Sweden, Italy, and Denmark have seen rapid growth
• South America – Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay are strongholds
• Middle East and Asia – The sport is emerging in places like Qatar, Japan, and Dubai

When Did Padel Arrive in Denmark?

A Slow Start, Then Rapid Growth

Padel came to Denmark in 2007, when the first court was established in Fredericia. However, the court didn’t meet official standards, and it wasn’t until the early 2010s that the sport truly took off.

In 2012, two official courts were built in Copenhagen Municipality, and from there, padel's popularity grew. The real breakthrough came in 2016, as Danish amateurs began flocking to the courts.

Today, there are over 600 padel courts in Denmark, and the sport continues to grow. The boom has been driven by private businesses, municipalities, and associations investing in facilities and events.

Why Has Padel Become So Popular?

Simple, Fun, and Social

Padel is booming for several reasons:

1. Easy to learn – The rules are simple and you don’t need much technique to start.
2. Social gameplay – Padel is mostly played in doubles, making it perfect for teamwork and connection.
3. Accessibility – The sport is for all ages and skill levels.
4. High intensity and entertainment – With walls in play, the ball stays in motion longer, making the game fast-paced and exciting.

The Future of Padel

A Sport on the Rise

Padel is here to stay. With tournaments like the World Padel Tour (WPT) and increasing interest from both professionals and hobbyists, the sport’s explosive growth is set to continue.

In Denmark too, the sport’s success has sparked great interest in building more courts and organizing local and national tournaments. Padel attracts both beginners and experienced athletes and is a perfect activity for recreational players across generations.

Want to learn more about what padel is? See here

Summary

Though millions play padel around the world today, it all started with one man: Enrique Corcuera. His backyard experiment in Mexico, aided by Prince Alfonso and Julio Menditeguy, laid the foundation for a sport that spread to Spain, Argentina, and eventually the rest of the world.

From luxurious villas in Acapulco to courts in Denmark and beyond, padel is a testament to how one simple idea can create joy, community, and health for millions.

Ready to give padel a try? Find your nearest court here and jump into the fun, dynamic sport that’s taking the world by storm.