Lionel maltese is one of the Swiss Army Knives of the FFT. In charge of the economic development of the FFT, he is also a member of the COMEX, teacher, researcher and entrepreneur.

He gives us his opinion on the development of padel within the French Tennis Federation.

  • Do you think the FFT should invest more in padel to make it grow?

It's the case. It is enough to analyze what is done and the action & win program of the FFT: creation of tracks / aid to clubs / National Center of Padel / FFT Padel Tour / CNE Padel / State diploma Padel.

  • How can the FFT use the emergence of padel as an opportunity to boost the number of tennis licensees?

This is not the goal. The two practices are complementary and meet different needs with a different playing experience.

  • In your opinion, should padel be taken out of the supervision of the FFT?

NOT

  • Is it possible to ask for support from the international federation to create a French padel federation?

NO no interest. the FFT weighs € 325 million, the ITF € 75 million (ie RG's profit)… the FFT does not need the ITF. the reverse yes.

  • Could we develop padel in France via private structures (padel clubs)?

This is the case because the economic model of a 3-track club is profitable quickly ... and the time to take pleasure in the game is fast.

  • Given the fun nature of padel and its strong expansion in the amateur world (75 members in Spain, more than tennis), should we develop amateur practice while leaving professional padel behind?

Not both must coexist but the professional practice will develop economically if exposure which is not the case (to compare with 3 * 3 in basketball or Futsal historically). Spain has created public tracks such as street ball in France…

  • In your opinion, what would be the best way to develop padel in France?

Developing padel hand in hand with the tennis federation. Because the FFT has resources and expertise useful for developing practices.

From his names, we can guess his Spanish and Italian origins. Lorenzo is a multilingual passionate about sports: journalism by vocation and events by worship are his two legs. He is the international gentleman of Padel Magazine. You will often see him at various international competitions, but also at major French events. @eyeofpadel on Instagram to see his best padel photos!

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