Behind the scenes of padel expertise: an interview with Stéphane Penso

To grasp the depth and uniqueness of the expertise of Stéphane PensoIt is essential to trace his sporting career. Far from being linear, his trajectory, marked by encounters and revelations, has forged a unique method of analysis and vision of padel. It is in this story, between the tennis courts of Marseille and the world elite of squash, that the roots of his credibility lie.

Stéphane Penso is, since 2018, a key figure in the world of padel in France and beyond. With a rich sporting background, first in tennis during his youth, then for more than 35 years in squash (which he continues to practice), he has developed a sharp expertise in the world of racket sports.

Thanks to a meticulously compiled database over the years, he analyzes for Padel MagazineWith remarkable precision, he handles all the equipment that passes through his hands. Whether it's rackets, shoes, balls, or accessories, his items are distinguished by their impartialityTheir rigor and their attention to detail.

Through this 3-part interview, we look back at his career, his methodology and his vision for the future of padel.

PART 1: THE MAN, HIS JOURNEY, AND THE NEW CHALLENGES

From tennis to squash, then to padel: an atypical sporting trajectory

Padel Magazine : Hello Stéphane. Before discussing your current expertise, let's go back to the beginning. What was your first experience with racket sports before padel?

Stéphane Penso: It all started very early, with a tennis racket in hand. I grew up in the La Grognarde residence in Marseille, where we were lucky enough to have two fields. It was my backyard! I honed my skills there until I passed my monitor at 18.

But the real turning point came about by a twist of fate… or rather, a sudden cold snap! One day, it started snowing in Marseille — which is an event in itself! I was supposed to be teaching an outdoor class, and, instead of going inside and locking ourselves in, the other teacher and I decided to try squash. 45 minutesI had a absolute revelationI discovered a sport ultra-complete : technique, tactics and above all physical… in my opinion even more so than tennis.

I had the immense privilege of being part of the world elite, as the cream of the crop of French squash lived between Aix and Marseille. I forged strong friendships with legends like Thierry Lincou et Greg Gaultier (both former world number 1 et World Champions), but also Renan Lavigne, Greg Marche ou Matthew CastagnetIt was like the French team was playing at home!

An incredible adventure brought to fruition by two French team championship titles under the colors of Set Squash MarseilleI was immensely proud to share these victories with these legends, even though, in all humility, I did not play in all the matches!

Padel arrived much later, in 2017, by sheer chance. He's another "Old Guard" like me, Régis Dauzincourt — a former negative-ranked tennis player who was my childhood idol — who challenged me to a game in the middle of August. On the court, under the blazing Marseille sun, the three other players ended up completely exhausted… but not me, thanks to the cardio of squash! Jean Souid, who was managing the Luminy club at the time, spotted me and offered me the chance to register for his back-to-school tournament in September with Caroline, my partner for the day. I said yes, and it was my second great love at first sight.

First time Caro Jean and Régis | Padel Magazine

Cap7Padel : the new Marseille laboratory

Padel Magazine : You've recently taken on new responsibilities that influence your testing methods. Can you tell us more about them?

Stéphane Penso: From April 2025I took on a new and exciting challenge: I became the DSports Director of Cap7PadelIt's a magnificent complex with 7 indoor courts Located in the heart of Marseille. Together with the founders, we wanted to fill a critical gap in France's second largest city by creating a decidedly modern, refined and premium club.

While this new responsibility is time-consuming, it has paradoxically revolutionized my testing methodology. Previously, dependent on 90-minute slots during friendly matches, I had to test urgently so as not to penalize my partners, while also having to run multiple sessions to guarantee an objective opinion. Today, it's night and day: I have access to the slopes at my conveniencewhich transforms the club into a true testing center.

In addition to this, there is a major advantage: the ball cannon provided by my partnersMind Padel ShopIt's a real game changer. If I decide to dissect the behavior of a pala on the ViboraI can do them one after the other. 80 in 5 minutes flat This volume of repetition, impossible to achieve in a classic match, coupled with the total availability of the pitches, now allows me to push the analysis much further and to gain more accuracy in my verdicts.

The FIP Platinum in Marseille: the event adventure

Padel Magazine : Your career path is also leading you towards international events with the FIP Platinum in Marseille… (from February 2nd to 8th, 2026)

Stéphane Penso: It all started thanks to the intervention of Vincent Malmejac, a famous Marseille entrepreneur. He was the one who made the connection with Julien Nazarian, the creator of this event.

To be perfectly honest, at first I was skeptical. But after digging a little deeper into the guy's profile, I quickly understood who I was dealing with: an event professional who had already proven himself in golf and was looking for a new challenge to his own extent. The fact that he is himself a player and owns land on his professional site finally convinced me.

After our first lunch in Cassis, I realized he was an honest, passionate man, and that my experience could be very beneficial to him. So I picked up the phone to call my friend. David MateoI wanted to know if he was ready to take on the role of tournament director. Without hesitation, his schedule allowed it, and he accepted, especially since it's the very first Platinum tournament he'll be managing.

For my part, I take on the role of co-directorFor a first edition, it's a leap into the unknown, and you need to know how to surround yourself with the right people. My role will be to support him, to assist him, and above all, to give him the local “user manual” The way things work in Marseille has its subtleties that people from Perpignan don't necessarily understand. (Laughter) I will be his official support to respond to all requests and make his task easier so that he can focus on what is essential.

Of course, Padel Magazine will be there with the heavy artillery, which suggests intense professional moments but, once the curtain falls, equally intense friendly moments!

Padel Magazine : Having explored the route, it's time for practice. The next installment will take us to the heart of the methodology Penso: together we will dissect Stéphane's protocol and expertise. From the "What" to the "Why", including the "How", you will know everything on the genesis of a test.

Team Padel Mag

The team Padel Magazine has been trying to offer you the best of padel since 2013, but also surveys and analyses to try to understand the world of padel. From the game to the politics of our sport, Padel Magazine is at your service.