The Padel Pioneer: Enrique Buenaventura's Vision of the Sport and Business (S02E09)
Description
The Joy of Padel with Enrique Buenaventura
Join us as we explore the enthralling padel journey of Enrique Buenaventura, a sports aficionado turned padel entrepreneur. Enrique shares insights from his multifaceted experience in the sport and business of padel, including his transition from tennis to padel at the age of twelve. With padel's burgeoning popularity, he discusses the challenges and thrills of keeping the joy in the game while navigating its commercial landscape. Enrique also delves into the inception of the Hexagon Cup, an innovative international team event designed to stoke the competitive spirit and broaden padel's appeal across the globe. This episode is a deep dive into the strategic evolution of padel, the significance of inclusivity in the sport, and the delicate balance between preserving the essence of the game and embracing its dynamic future.
00:00:00 - Enrique Buenaventura has adventured into the world of padel
00:07:45 - Enrique prefers the old-fashioned padel because it's more tactical
00:09:02 - He founded Hexagon Cup to promote padel internationally
00:15:08 - Rafa Nadal Academy launches padel tour with seven events in Spain
00:19:09 - The Hexagon tournament features six teams with six players per team
00:23:40 - There was a lot of mixed feelings about the debut
00:29:33 - Already announced 2025 Hexagon Cup
00:32:55 - Hexagon focuses on fan experience, engagement with fans, having celebrities involved
00:35:58 - Enrique discusses his favorite shot and ways to improve in padel tennis
00:41:02 - What sort of animal are you on the court, Enrique?
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