In the heart of Marbella, where the Mediterranean sun casts its golden glow upon elegant landscapes, a sports phenomenon has been quietly but steadily making its mark – padel tennis. Born from the fusion of tennis and squash, padel has captured the hearts of sports enthusiasts around the world, and its unique charm finds a special resonance in the sun-kissed coastal city of Marbella.
Who Invented Padel?
Padel, the exhilarating racquet sport that has gained global popularity, traces its origins to the innovative mind of Mexican businessman Enrique Corcuera. In a momentous move in 1969, Corcuera revolutionized leisure at his Acapulco holiday home by establishing the first-ever padel court. However, the roots of this sport can be glimpsed further back in time.
In the 19th century, passengers aboard British cruise ships engaged in a similar game, wielding tennis rackets. The 1910s witnessed the rise of ‘platform tennis’ in Washington and New York, where traditional tennis rackets were replaced with paddles. Evolution continued in the subsequent decade, with changes to the courts, introducing wooden floors and high surrounding fences to combat the challenges posed by winter snow.
It wasn’t until the 1960s that Enrique Corcuera elevated padel to its recognized form. At his Acapulco court, he ingeniously enclosed the playing area with walls and a four-meter metallic fence on all sides. This innovation was aimed at preventing the ball from escaping onto neighboring land, giving birth to what he called Paddle Corcuera – an inception that would go on to make history.
When did Padel become an international sport?
The international journey of padel was ignited by Spanish entrepreneur Alfonso de Hohenlohe, a close friend of Enrique Corcuera. During a visit to Mexico in 1974, Hohenlohe was captivated by the game, leading him to import it to Spain’s Costa del Sol. The Marbella Club witnessed the construction of the country’s first two padel courts, marking the beginning of the sport’s popularity, embraced by exclusive club members, including tennis luminary Manolo Santana, a four-time Grand Slam title-winner.
As tournaments sprouted along the Costa del Sol, the sport’s appeal spread rapidly. In 1975, Argentine millionaire Julio Menditenguia encountered padel in Marbella and took the sport back to Argentina, where it achieved staggering popularity. Today, Argentina boasts over two million officially licensed padel players and more than 10,000 padel courts.
Back in Spain, padel has become a national phenomenon. With over 20,000 padel courts and an estimated six million active players, it stands as the country’s second-most-popular sport behind football. The vision of Enrique Corcuera and the international efforts of Alfonso de Hohenlohe have undeniably shaped padel into a sport embraced by millions worldwide.
THE 5 BEST PADEL CLUBS IN MARBELLA
1. NAC (New Alcántara Club):
Our first stop on the Marbella padel tour brings us to the prestigious NAC (New Andalusia Club). Nestled in the heart of Marbella, NAC stands as a testament to the passion and dedication of padel enthusiasts. Boasting state-of-the-art facilities, NAC caters to players of all levels. From beginners looking to master the basics to seasoned players seeking a challenge, NAC provides the perfect setting.
What sets NAC apart is not just its well-maintained courts but also its vibrant community. Regular tournaments and social events create a sense of belonging, making NAC not just a club but a second home for padel enthusiasts. The professional coaching staff ensures that every player, regardless of their skill level, can refine their technique and elevate their game.
2. REAL PADEL CLUB
Real Club Padel Marbella is recognized as the most prestigious venue on the Costa del Sol, offering excellent facilities and a prime location. The club features six panoramic glass paddle tennis courts with WPT approved grass and modern LED lighting technology. It is home to the largest padel school in the area, where instructors assist everyone in learning and improving in this beloved sport.
With top-notch court quality, member amenities, and a commitment to fostering a true padel community, Real Padel Club sets the standard for excellence. The club’s success stories and testimonials from players highlight not only the quality of the facilities but also the supportive and encouraging atmosphere that defines the Real Padel Club experience.
3. PUENTE ROMANO CLUB
The Hotel Puente Romano Tennis Club, affiliated with the RFET, is recognized as a premier professional tennis facility in Southern Europe. Offering top-notch amenities, including 8 clay courts, 2 plexipave courts, a gym equipped with the latest ARTIS Technogym machinery, an activity room, massage facilities, sauna, Turkish bath, a restaurant, pro-shop, and 4 Pádel courts, the club is renowned for its high-quality services.
This exceptional venue on Marbella’s Golden Mile serves as an ideal location for official ATP, WTA, Fed Cup, and Davis Cup tournaments. For event details, refer to our official calendar. Situated in the heart of Marbella, the Puente Romano Tennis Club provides a fantastic experience for tennis enthusiasts, offering a perfect blend of leisure, sports, and health. Operating seven days a week, our doors are open from 8:00 to 21:00.
4. LOS MONTEROS RACKET CLUB
Los Monteros Racket Club has established itself as a hub of premium tennis and padel facilities, boasting a rich history and a commitment to delivering excellence that resonates with players of all skill levels.
The club offers an extensive array of services tailored to its members’ needs, encompassing private and group lessons, as well as organized tournaments. To ensure players are equipped for optimal performance, the club provides equipment rental and restringing services, demonstrating a dedication to supporting players in their pursuit of the perfect game.
Among the top-notch facilities at Los Monteros Racket Club are 11 meticulously maintained tennis courts, comprising 4 clay courts and 7 hard courts, all providing an exceptional playing experience. Additionally, the club features 6 padel courts, catering to those intrigued by this popular sport in Spain and other European regions. For fitness enthusiasts, the fully equipped fitness center, complete with weights and cardio equipment, allows members to enhance their physical well-being before or after matches. Adding a delightful touch to the overall experience, the club’s restaurant serves an array of delicious dishes, ensuring that members can unwind and savor culinary delights after an exhilarating game on the courts.
5. VILLA PADIERNA RACKET CLUB
Nestled on the Costa del Sol, Villa Padierna Racquet Club stands out as one of the premier sports clubs in the region with unbeatable location being only. a few meters from the beach. Boasting an impressive array of facilities, the club features 15 paddle courts, two tennis courts, and two croquet courts, all conveniently located just 50 meters from the beach. Spanning over 22,000 square meters, this sports haven provides a perfect setting for quality time with family and friends.
Beyond its role as a sports facility, Villa Padierna Racquet Club transcends expectations, evolving into a versatile club where paddle tennis, tennis, and croquet are just the beginning. The club offers an array of additional services, making it a multifaceted destination for members to enjoy a holistic and enriching experience.
In conclusion, at Villa Noble, we not only are passionate of helping you to buy a property or sell a property but also share a genuine passion for the vibrant and trending sport of padel. As a team that values camaraderie and embraces the spirit of healthy competition, we are thrilled at the prospect of organizing a padel match. It’s not just about properties; it’s about creating connections, fostering a sense of community, and, most importantly, enjoying the thrill of a padel match together. We invite you to join us in this exciting endeavor, combining the excitement of the game with the shared joy of camaraderie. Let’s make memories on the padel court that mirror the excellence we strive for in the world of real estate at Villa Noble.
Article by Louis Wittner
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