The Joy of Padel

THIS INTERVIEW WAS CONDUCTED IN SPANISH 🇪🇸. IT'S AVAILABLE ON YOUTUBE WITH SUBTITLES IN ENGLISH 🇬🇧!! Juanjo Gutiérrez, former professional padel player and current coach of the Spanish national team, shares insights into his career and the evolution of padel. He discusses the transition from tennis to padel, his experiences as a player and coach, and the dynamics of selecting and managing a national team. Juanjo offers a unique perspective on the emotional and tactical aspects of coaching, particularly during high-stakes moments like the 2024 World Championships in Doha. He also explores the future of padel, emphasizing the sport's increasing physicality and the importance of data analytics in understanding player performance. Throughout the conversation, Juanjo's passion for padel and his deep understanding of the sport's nuances shine through. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Hewlett, founder of Soul Padel, reveals how a traumatic experience led him to discover the transformative power of padel. His journey from rugby player to padel pioneer is nothing short of inspiring. In this episode #16, Mark shares the genesis of Soul Padel and its mission to make padel accessible to all. We explore how this fast-growing sport is building communities and bridging social divides across the UK. Here are 3 key takeaways from our chat with Mark: - Community-Centric Approach: Soul Padel's focus on creating welcoming spaces where everyone can meet, play, and connect is revolutionizing the UK padel scene. - Innovative Growth Strategy: By partnering with Decathlon and universities, Soul Padel is introducing padel to new audiences and fostering the next generation of players. - Preserving the Soul: As they expand to 40-50 locations, Soul Padel's commitment to maintaining their core values through people and digital engagement is admirable. Mark's insights into the future of padel in the UK and globally are invaluable for anyone interested in the sport's development. His vision of padel as a unifying force in communities is both refreshing and inspiring. Listen to the full episode for more on Soul Padel's journey, their unique approach to coaching, and Mark's perspective on what makes padel so special. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This podcast features Gonzalo Lorenzo, a padel coach and YouTube sensation, discussing his journey in the sport and coaching philosophy. Gonzalo shares insights on player improvement, communication strategies, and the culture of padel. He emphasizes the importance of playing percentage shots and reducing unforced errors. The conversation also explores the growing popularity of padel worldwide and the potential impact of AI on the sport's analytics. Gonzalo's YouTube channel, Padel Drive, has gained significant traction, attracting viewers from unexpected places like Indonesia. Key points: 1. Gonzalo stresses the importance of playing safe, challenging shots with at least 80% accuracy. 2. The Joy of Padel is described as organizing games with friends, being competitive, and socializing afterward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Juan Martín Díaz, padel legend, shares his journey from his beginnings in tennis to becoming a padel professional. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the game and the evolution toward a more physical sport. Díaz describes himself as an offensive player with exceptional reflexes, emphasizing the importance of compatibility with his playing partner. He analyzes the differences between the Argentine and Spanish schools of padel and comments on the recent World Championship in Doha. He offers his perspective on the current professional circuit, suggesting improvements in organization and player participation in decision-making. Díaz reflects on changes to the rules and playing surface, expressing his preference for maintaining the essence of the sport. He shares personal anecdotes, including the birth of his son during a tournament, and emphasizes the importance of humility in padel. Finally, he offers his optimistic outlook on the future of the sport and its possible inclusion in the Olympic Games. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elena Martín, partner at PwC and co-author of the 2025 Global Padel Report, joins the Joy of Padel podcast to discuss the sport's explosive growth. She shares insights on padel's global expansion, including the projected 81,000 courts worldwide by 2027 and the USA's potential to become the largest market. Elena delves into the factors driving padel's popularity, such as its accessibility and social nature, and explores emerging markets in Asia and the Middle East. The conversation also touches on the sport's Olympic aspirations and the challenges it faces in achieving that goal. This episode offers padel aficionados a comprehensive look at the sport's current state and future prospects. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Rise of Padel in Saudi Arabia: Najwa Salhab's Journey (JOPS03E12) My latest Joy of Padel episode features Najwa Salhab, a rising star from Saudi Arabia's national padel team. Najwa's journey from casual player to national representative is truly inspiring. In this episode, we dive into: • The rapid growth of padel in Saudi Arabia • Najwa's transition from amateur to competitive player • The importance of strategy and communication in padel • How padel skills translate to life and business • Insights on watching professional padel matches Najwa offers a unique perspective on padel's development in the Middle East and shares valuable tips for improving your game. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned player, there's something for everyone in this episode. Don't miss this chance to hear from one of padel's emerging talents. Tune in now and let Najwa's passion for the sport inspire your own padel journey! Catch you on the court, Minter P.S. Planning to attend the Paris Premier Padel event? Let me know – I'll be there and would love to connect! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Wall Practice to World Stages: Marta Talaván's Padel Rise (JOPS03E11) I'm thrilled to share my latest Joy of Padel podcast episode featuring the incredible Marta Talaván, a top-ranked professional padel player and board member. Marta offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of pro padel, from her journey as a young player to her current role shaping the sport's future. We dive deep into the nuances of playing right side in padel, discussing technique, strategy, and the mental game. Marta shares her approach to softening her shots and improving decision-making on court. For all you right-side players out there, this episode is packed with valuable insights! But that's not all - Marta also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at life as a pro padel player. From nutrition and training routines to pre-match preparations, she paints a vivid picture of what it takes to compete at the highest level. As a board member, Marta offers her perspective on the growth of women's padel and the challenges facing the sport. Her passion for equality and development in padel is truly inspiring. Whether you're a padel enthusiast, aspiring pro, or just curious about the sport, this episode has something for everyone. Don't miss out on this in-depth conversation with one of padel's brightest stars! Tune in now and let the Joy of Padel continue! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Evolving in Padel: Fredrik Ask's Coaching Philosophy (JOPS03E10) I'm excited to bring you the latest episode of Joy of Padel, featuring Fredrik Ask, Norway's top padel player. Fredrik's transition from tennis to padel is a captivating story, and he shares invaluable insights into the sport's intricacies. In this episode, we explore: - The shift from tennis to padel - Strategies for creating space on the court - The significance of reading your opponent's racket - Tips for finding the ideal padel partner Fredrik also recounts a humorous tale about his first experience with professional padel that you won't want to miss! Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the game, this episode is filled with practical advice and entertaining stories. Tune in to discover why padel is more than just a sport – it's a joy! Listen to the full episode now on your favorite podcast platform. Keep enjoying the game! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EPISODE JOPS03E08 EPISODE IS IN SPANISH You can find it on Youtube with English subtitles here: https://youtu.be/paV-2J_VWgo Viviana Corcuera, esposa de Enrique Corcuera con quien cofundó el pádel, comparte la fascinante historia del deporte desde sus inicios en 1969. Relata cómo evolucionó el equipamiento, desde raquetas de madera hasta las modernas que permiten jugadas espectaculares. Viviana destaca el carácter intergeneracional del pádel y su capacidad para unir familias. Recuerda anécdotas con personalidades como Henry Kissinger y describe la expansión internacional del deporte, especialmente en Argentina y España. Con entusiasmo, habla sobre el desarrollo de clubes en México y la emoción de los torneos actuales. Viviana transmite su pasión por el pádel, enfatizando su naturaleza de "espectáculo de circo" y su impacto en la sociedad. In English: Viviana Corcuera, wife of Enrique Corcuera with whom she co-founded padel , shares the fascinating history of the sport since its beginnings in 1968. She recounts how the equipment evolved, from wooden rackets to modern rackets that allow for spectacular plays. Viviana highlights the intergenerational nature of padel and its ability to unite families. She recalls anecdotes with personalities like Henry Kissinger and describes the international expansion of the sport, especially in Argentina and Spain. She enthusiastically discusses the development of clubs in Mexico and the excitement of current tournaments. Viviana conveys her passion for padel, emphasizing its "circus-like" nature and its impact on society. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This Joy of Padel episode features Johannes Thomhave, CEO of Padel TV, discussing the challenges and opportunities in broadcasting padel matches. As a padel aficionado, Johannes shares insights on filming techniques, the growth of padel in Sweden and the UK, and the importance of globalizing the sport. He emphasizes the need for high-quality production, including multiple cameras, instant replays, and advanced statistics to enhance viewer experience. The conversation also touches on Padel TV's business model and future expansion plans. Key points: 1. Padel TV aims to professionalize padel broadcasting by producing high-quality content with multiple cameras, instant replays, and advanced statistics. 2. The importance of globalizing padel by featuring players from various countries and conducting interviews in English to reach a wider audience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ksenia Sharifova, a rising star (currently world number 23) in professional padel, shares her journey from tennis to padel and the challenges of finding the right partner in this insightful padel podcast. As a padel aficionado, Ksenia discusses the intricacies of shot selection, court positioning, and the mental aspects of the game. She offers a candid perspective on the competitive world of professional padel, including the delicate balance of partnerships and the importance of a strong support system. Ksenia's passion for padel shines through as she describes her favorite shots and players, providing valuable insights for both amateur and professional players alike. The conversation culminates with a heartfelt exploration of the Joy of Padel, highlighting the sport's unique blend of strategy, skill, and emotional fulfillment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This podcast features Seb Gordon, co-founder of Rocket Padel, discussing his journey in the sport and the growth of padel in the UK. Gordon shares insights from his experience in Sweden's padel boom and how he's applying those lessons to develop premium indoor padel facilities in Britain. The conversation covers the importance of community in padel, the challenges of coaching development, and Rocket Padel's expansion plans across London and beyond. Key points: 1. The transition from tennis to padel and the therapeutic aspects of the sport's community feel. 2. The significance of indoor courts for consistent play and the focus on creating premium padel experiences. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This podcast features Jonathan Rowland, a padel aficionado since 2004, discussing his journey in the sport and his venture, R3 Sport. Rowland shares insights on padel's growth in the UK, his experiences playing in unconventional settings, and his vision for developing the sport professionally. The conversation delves into the challenges of competing with established padel nations and the importance of nurturing young talent. Key points include Rowland's approach to sponsoring players and the role of celebrity involvement in promoting padel. The podcast highlights the joy of padel and its potential as an Olympic sport, emphasising the need for continued support and evolution in the UK padel scene. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Carolina Orsi, Italian padel champion, shares her journey from tennis to professional padel on the Joy of Padel podcast. She discusses the challenges of learning padel's unique wall play, the importance of repetition in mastering the sport, and the differences between men's and women's padel. Orsi offers insights into her training regimen, focusing on physical preparation and mental skills to break into the top 20 rankings. The conversation explores padel's rapid growth in Italy, the joy of watching professional matches, and Orsi's perspective on choosing the right partner. This padel podcast provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of professional padel through the eyes of a rising star. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the padel podcast, I chat with Tomoaki (Tom) Murasawa, the coach of Japan's national padel teams. Tomaki shares his personal journey from tennis to padel, discussing how the sport has evolved in Japan since the first court opened in 2013. With only about 50 courts across the country, the passion for padel is evident. We touch on the need for more investment to grow the sport's infrastructure and how it can better fit into Japanese culture. Tomaki also highlights the importance of strategic play and deception to enhance the skills of Japanese players. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This podcast features an engaging conversation with Brittany Dubins, the top-ranked female padel player in the United States. Brittany shares her journey from tennis to professional padel, discussing the challenges and joys of the sport. She offers insights into the unique aspects of padel, including partner dynamics and strategic play. The discussion covers Brittany's experiences at the 2024 World Championships in Doha and her thoughts on the future of padel in the US. This episode provides a fascinating look into the world of professional padel from an American perspective. Key points: 1. The importance of partner compatibility and off-court relationships in padel. 2. The challenges of transitioning from tennis to padel, including adapting to different shot selections and strategies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is a bit special. First, it's not in the usual form of an interview that I conduct with a padel connoisseur or celebrity. While based on a real article I wrote, it was converted into a podcast thanks to the uncannily good NotebookLLM (by Google). The artwork for this episode was created by Dall-ee (OpenAI) on a custom-trained dataset. This conversation, between two AI voices, focuses on padel etiquette, outlining unwritten rules for maintaining a positive playing experience. I must note that the machine only knows how to pronounce padel the American way padél (pad-elle) as opposed to pádel (pah-dle). The main focus of the conversation is on avoiding "fridging," where a player is deliberately excluded from the action. Other etiquette points cover respecting opponents and partners, such as avoiding excessive lobs, prompt apologies for accidental hits, and responsible phone use. I also look at post-game behavior and provide a few self-awareness tips to improve one's own game and interactions. Overall, the post emphasizes the importance of respect and fun within the game of padel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Joy of Padel, I had the pleasure of chatting with Jonas Bjorkman, the renowned tennis player who has embraced the world of padel. Jonas shares his personal journey from tennis to padel, which began in Portugal, and highlights what makes the sport so appealing both socially and competitively. As the manager of the Swedish national men's padel team, he opens up about the challenges and strategies involved in transitioning from tennis to padel, stressing the importance of teamwork and adapting to the sport's unique dynamics. Jonas also delves into the cultural aspects of padel, the essence of leadership, and the pride of representing one's country. With his insights into the growth of padel in Sweden and its global impact, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the passion and community that define this exciting sport. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I chatted during the World Championships in Doha 2024 with Alejandra Salazar, a hugely important and prominent figure in padel. Alejandra shares her journey from discovering padel at age eight to becoming a top player across three decades. She attributes her success to adaptability and continuous learning, emphasizing the importance of believing in oneself, even in challenging times. Alejandra also discusses the significance of communication with partners and how she balances her aggressive playstyle with strategic positioning on the court. And vision for padel's future? Check out the full episode to find out! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of "The Joy of Padel," I have the pleasure of speaking with Calle Åkesson, the General Secretary of the Swedish Padel Federation. Calle shares his personal journey from being a sports enthusiast to playing a pivotal role in the development of padel in Sweden. He talks about the sport's rapid growth during the pandemic and the current phase of consolidation. Calle emphasizes the importance of collaboration between commercial venues and nonprofit clubs to promote padel effectively. We also discuss Sweden's efforts to nurture top players and the unique culture of padel, which combines individual skill with teamwork. Calle's insights provide a fascinating look into the evolving landscape of padel in Sweden and the federation's mission to expand the sport at all levels. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices