The circuit Premier Padel, in collaboration with the International Federation of Padel (FIP), has announced changes for the 2025 season. These changes mainly concern the structure of the main draws and qualifications, as well as the distribution of FIP ranking points. Here is a summary of the main adjustments, accompanied by reactions from the players.

Reduction in the number of pairs in the main tables

  • In 2024, :
    • majors : 56 male pairs and 48 female pairs.
    • P1 : 48 male pairs and 32 female pairs.
    • P2 : 32 male pairs and 28 female pairs.
  • In 2025, :
    • majors : 48 male pairs (-8) and 40 female pairs (-8).
    • P1 : 40 male pairs (-8) and 28 female pairs (-4).
    • P2 : 28 male pairs (-4) and 24 female pairs (-4).

Reduction of pairs in qualifications

  • In 2024, : 32 male pairs and 16 female pairs in all categories.
  • In 2025, : 24 male pairs (-8) and still 16 female pairs.

Points adjustment in favor of early rounds

Another notable change for 2025 is the increase in points awarded in the early rounds of tournaments. P1 et P2. This decision is intended to reward players in the early stages and encourage greater competitiveness throughout the tournament. In theory, these adjustments might seem fair, but they risk increasing inequality.

With the number of places in the main draws reduced, the players already in place will benefit more from these point increases, thus widening the gap with those struggling in qualifying.

Players' reactions to the changes

A circuit perceived as “too closed”

Many players are denouncing a return to a format similar to that of the World Padel Tour, criticized in the past for its rigidity and lack of accessibility:

  • Fewer places in the main draws, which favors players already established.
  • More difficult qualifications with less financial rewards and points for those eliminated from the first round of qualifications.

Difficulties for players outside the Top 70

  • Players ranked between the Top 60 and the Top 70 find themselves in qualifying, an effort often seen as excessive.
  • In case of elimination in the first round of qualifying, players do not win no points or income, which discourages improving players.

Consequences for players ranked beyond the Top 100

  • Opportunities for these players are becoming considerably scarcer:
    • They will have to turn to tournaments FIP Bronze, Silver or Gold, less remunerative.
    • Players from the Top 30/40 participate in these tournaments to accumulate points, making the competition even more difficult.

A system considered protective for the seeded players

Players denounce a distribution of points which favors players already established:

  • A player who consistently loses in the first round of the main draws will score more points than a player who passes qualifying multiple times.

Conclusion

The changes made in 2025 are intended to make the circuit more competitive and professional, but they increase the inequalities between players already established in the main draws and those trying to break through. International Federation of Padel (FIP) et Premier Padel are called upon to respond to these criticisms to guarantee a circuit that is truly open and accessible to all.

Benjamin Dupouy

I discovered padel directly during a tournament, and frankly, I didn't really like it at first. But the second time, it was love at first sight, and since then, I haven't missed a single match. I'm even ready to stay up until 3am to watch a final of Premier Padel !