🎾 Padel, Pickleball, and Tennis: The Modern Racket Sport Boom

The latest from Hidden Sports
Written by David

If you’ve ever held a tennis racket, you probably assumed there was only one game in town. For decades, tennis ruled the court, globally televised, fiercely competitive, steeped in tradition, and rich with iconic names like Federer, Serena, Nadal, and Djokovic.

But something’s changed.

Over the past few years, a racket sport revolution has been quietly gaining momentum. In local parks, suburban clubs, and new-age fitness centers, two upstart sports - padel and pickleball - have begun attracting crowds, turning heads, and converting lifelong tennis players into evangelists for a new way to play.

They’re not replacing tennis, but they’re reshaping what the world of racket sports looks like.

So, whether you're a long-time tennis fan, someone curious about what all the noise is, or just looking for a new way to stay active, this article breaks it all down.

Let’s take a look at how three very different sports are shaping one very exciting future.

🎾 Tennis: The Classic Powerhouse

Let’s start with what you already know.

Tennis is a global institution. It’s elegant, intense, deeply competitive, and at the highest level, borderline poetic.

It’s played in nearly every country in the world, from junior leagues to pro tours, and the Grand Slam calendar is etched into the sports fan’s brain: Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, US Open. There’s nothing quite like it.

In its most common forms, tennis is played:

• 👤 Singles: one vs one

• 🤝 Doubles: two vs two

• ⛳ On a full-sized court, typically hard, clay, or grass

• 🎾 With a stringed racket and felt-covered ball

The learning curve is steep, but the payoff is high. It demands footwork, power, timing, and strategy. And while it can be a solitary experience in singles, tennis has always been celebrated for its tradition and prestige.

But prestige can also come with barriers, equipment cost, club access, and the difficulty of learning the game mean tennis can feel intimidating for new players. That’s part of what opened the door for something different.

🟪 Padel: Europe’s Social Secret Weapon

Now let’s talk about padel - a game that’s often described as a mix of tennis and squash, but it’s truly its own thing.

Played on a smaller, enclosed court with glass walls, padel is always doubles. The ball is similar to tennis (but slightly lower pressure), and the rackets are solid-faced, perforated, and shorter than traditional tennis rackets.

It’s a strategic, high-energy, wildly fun sport. And it’s spreading like wildfire across Europe.

Why is padel blowing up?

• 👫 It’s social. You always play doubles. That means teamwork, banter, and a lot of laughs.

• ⏱️ It’s fast to learn. Most players can pick it up in one session.

• 🎮 It’s deeply tactical. The walls are in play. You can rebound the ball, lob off the glass, or bait opponents into errors.

• 🌍 It’s backed by stars. David Beckham, Zinedine Zidane, Lionel Messi, Jurgen Klopp, all involved. In Spain, there are now more padel players than tennis players.

In 2024, over 25 million people worldwide were playing padel and that number is rising. The UK, France, and the Middle East are becoming major growth hubs. Even in the U.S., it’s starting to break through.

Want a quick game with friends, surrounded by glass, music, and energy? This might be your new obsession.

🟩 Pickleball: The U.S. Phenomenon

Now for the quirkiest (and arguably most addictive) member of the trio: pickleball.

Invented in a Washington backyard in the 1960s, pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. Played with a solid paddle and a plastic perforated ball, it takes place on a court about one-third the size of a tennis court. The rules are simple. The games are quick. And the rallies are long and fun.

Pickleball exploded in the U.S. over the past five years, and its global reach is starting to follow.

Why is pickleball winning over new fans?

• 👟 Low-impact entry point. It’s ideal for older players or beginners. No massive serves. Less running.

• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 It’s community-based. Public courts are popping up in local parks and leisure centers.

• 😂 It’s fun. No seriously - it’s genuinely fun within 10 minutes of picking up a paddle.

• 📈 It’s exploding. In the U.S. alone, over 8 million players took part in 2024, and the number continues to surge.

Tennis players often dismiss pickleball… until they play it. Then they realize it’s a perfect way to stay sharp, play more, and meet people.

The court size also means more people can play in less space. That’s why you’re starting to see tennis courts converted into multi-use pickleball zones in cities across the world.

📈 So, Why Now?

There’s no denying that racket sports are having a moment and it’s not just a post-pandemic fad.

Here’s why the racket sport renaissance is happening:

1. 🧠 Accessibility

Padel and pickleball lower the barrier to entry. You don’t need years of lessons to enjoy a rally. You don’t need expensive equipment. You don’t even need to be particularly fit to get started.

2. 👯‍♂️ Social Connection

All three sports offer social benefits, but padel and pickleball amplify that. You’re always playing doubles. You’re always talking. It’s a game and a hangout.

3. 🏗️ Infrastructure Growth

Countries are investing. Clubs are converting. Private investors and celebrity athletes are building entire facilities (Zidane’s Z5 Padel center, anyone?).

4. 📱 TikTok & YouTube Exposure

Short-form clips of insane padel rallies or quick pickleball points are algorithm gold. These sports look great on social. That visibility is driving younger audiences to try them.

🤔 Which Sport Is Right For You?

Let’s keep it fun. Here’s a totally unscientific guide to help you choose:

But honestly? Try them all. That’s the real joy of this moment. You don’t have to pick sides. In fact, playing all three will make you better at each of them.

🧢 The Hidden Sports POV

Here at Hidden Sports, we’re going to keep bringing you:

• 🎯 Weekly features on each sport

• 💬 Interviews with players and coaches

• 📍 Where you can play near you

• 🧢 New gear and community merch

• 📬 And a weekly newsletter with everything you might’ve missed

Whether you’re deep into tennis, just picked up a pickleball paddle, or can’t stop playing padel - we’re here for you.

📬 Subscribe now for weekly stories from the heart of the racket sport world - delivered every Tuesday.

And remember, every rally starts with a first swing. 🏓🎾🏅