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 between the development of padel I am part of the French Tennis Federation.

  • Do you think that 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 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.

  • According to you, the padel should he leave the tutelage of the FFT?

NOT

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

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 in France develop the padel via private structures (clubs of padel)?

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.

  • In view of the playful nature of padel and its strong expansion in the amateur world (75 licensees in Spain is more than tennis), should we develop amateur practice while leaving behind the padel professional?

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…

  • What do you think would be the best way to develop the padel in France ?

Develop the padel hand in hand with the tennis federation. Because the FFT has resources and expertise useful for the development of 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 it on the various international competitions, but also on the major French events. @eyeofpadel on Instagram to see his best photos of padel !

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