Until now, mixed padel tournaments (P25, P100, P250) were governed by a simple rule limiting rankings according to categories. This limitation was intended to ensure a certain balance in the matches, particularly to encourage beginner players to take the step into competition.

Update of the competition guide

The new regulations have just been announced: there will no longer be a ranking limit in mixed tournaments. Theoretically, a player ranked in the French top 50 will now be able to compete in a mixed P25. On the one hand, this decision could bring more diversity and quality of play to mixed tournaments. We can already imagine pairs formed between experienced players and improving players, or vice versa, with highly ranked women taking beginner men under their wing. This mix of skill levels could create some great dynamics on the courts.

But the other side of the coin is the fear of too great an imbalance. Seeing players ranked in the top 500 or higher enter a P25 tournament could have a deterrent effect, especially on players who are new to padel and tentatively attempting their first competitive experience.


 A risk of discouragement, especially among beginners? 

Mixed tournaments are often the first gateway to competition for many women, attracted by the friendly atmosphere, the often lighter format, and the opportunity to play with a familiar partner. Lifting ranking limits could disrupt this delicate balance by creating excessively large gaps in skill from the first round.

A classic scenario could play out: a beginner player signs up with an intermediate-level partner... and finds herself facing a ranked player and a former high-level tennis player. The result: a resounding defeat, and sometimes the feeling of pleasure fades, not necessarily making you want to play other tournaments.


 A challenge of pedagogy and responsibility of clubs 

Faced with this new situation, the responsibility of clubs and organizers will become central. They will have to adapt communication, reassure beginners, encourage more inclusive formats (tournaments by level, consolation brackets, events around the tournament), and above all, ensure that the friendly and caring spirit of mixed padel continues despite the arrival of more experienced players.

The end of ranking limits in mixed tournaments is a measure that opens up new possibilities and could boost some previously under-filled brackets. But it also raises the question of the accessibility of the competition for beginners, and more specifically for women new to padel.







Teo Vieau

He discovered padel in 2016 in Nantes and quickly became attached to the game, even climbing to 474th place in France. Commentator on Padel Mag TV, he covers the various tournaments on the French circuit as well as international tournaments organized in France!

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