La Reserve Padel Cup has launched its second edition, but the format and organization of this event raises questions among fans. Several criticisms emerge, including the absence of players, the absence of indoor structures as a fallback solution, and a broadcasting deemed insufficient.

The criticisms, summarized by Spanish blogger Carlos Rerucha

Spanish blogger Carlos Rerucha, from I am you Padel, sums up the criticisms as follows: :

“Honestly, the Reserve seems a bit problematic to me…

  • No players
  • No indoor solution
  • Bad broadcast
  • Bad weather management

Since they are Americans and celebrities, we let it go, but what would we have said if Premier Padel had organized such a tournament? Probably all the evil possible.
I know it's a purely exhibition event, but from the outside it just looks like rich people paying our best players to show them off in their villa with a pool. It gives an impression of contempt for padel, like a superficial and soulless event. Maybe I'm wrong.
Is all publicity good for padel? Certainly. But personally, I prefer competitions like the Hexagon Cup or Pro Padel League. This is just my opinion as a spectator and enthusiast.”

A private event and expectations to adjust

It is essential to remember that the Reserve Padel Cup is a private tournament and not an official stage of a circuit like Premier Padel. As a 100% private event, the organizers have complete freedom to decide on the format, location and participants. While some fans would have preferred different choices, this is first and foremost an independent initiative with its own rules.

Regarding the criticisms related to the weather conditions, it is true that the event could have included alternative solutions, such as indoor courts. However, for a private event, spectator expectations should be more measured. The main objective of the organizers remains the promotion of their club, and not the satisfaction of a global audience or the enhancement of another infrastructure.

A limited distribution, but in accordance with the nature of the event

The broadcasting of the competition has also been criticised. It should be noted, however, that there is no obligation for a private event to offer a broadcast, let alone at a level comparable to the standards of Premier PadelThe very fact that the competition is being broadcast is already a notable effort. The question therefore remains: is wider broadcasting really essential for this type of event?

Absence of female players and overall impact on padel

The absence of players is a regrettable point, as is the sometimes insufficient quality of the broadcast or the disruptions linked to the weather. However, it is unlikely that these elements will have a real impact on the future of padel, particularly with regard to its possible integration into the Olympic Games. The event remains above all a showcase for the organizing club and its guests.

La Reserve Padel Cup reflects above all the priorities of its organizers: to promote their club and offer a unique experience to their guests and the American celebrities present. With a substantial budget, they have clearly chosen to prioritize their local public and their partners, rather than targeting an international audience. It is therefore up to everyone to form an opinion on this type of event, which, let us remember, remains above all a private exhibition.

Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovered padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since then, padel has been part of his life. You often see him touring France to cover major French padel events.