Lorenzo Lecci Lopez, sports journalist took a keen interest in 2019 on the development of padel in France and abroad. This enthusiast returns seriously to this sport and explains the reasons for his study. Focus on Lorenzo.

Spectator and players of a growing sport

Of Spanish nationality, I was quickly drawn to this new sport, which I considered at the time to be a very fun game. I had never seen him on television, I had never seen him outside Tenerife (my father's region of residence): the padel was for me one more activity for the very many tourists who visit the Canary Islands every year. One afternoon, I decide to try this cage game. So I go to the club padel of " Los Cristianos ".

When I started playing, I immediately felt the difference with tennis. I was much more comfortable and the racket seemed easier to handle.

Very quickly, I began to have fun: the exchanges were much longer and more spectacular. I also understood that the tactical aspect was more important: in padel we play with our body, but it is often the mind and the strategy that make it possible to win the exchange. A few years later, short padel are built in my small Galician village (Spain), as well as in the region of Catania (Sicily) where I am from the paternal side. My practice becomes much more regular, and I really take a liking to this sport.

The desire to analyze the padel

             In October 2019, I participated in the organization of the Paris Challenger, a tournament on the World Padel Tour, at the Casa Padel (St Denis). During this experience, I understand how the padel needs the means to develop in France. The disparities between the countries are such that certain matches opposing Spanish women (from the WPT circuit) to French women (invited via wild-card) ended in a 6-0 6-0.

By discussing with players and managers during the competition, I understand that the French Tennis Federation has the delegation of padel for several years, and that no French federation of padel does not exist.

Very surprised by this fact, I then began my investigation: I discovered that in Spain, the federation of padel now has more licensees than the tennis federation. The reign of tennis in racquet sports is over, and the padel gradually decreases the number of traditional tennis licensees.

In Spain, the two federations are now in the cold war, but in France it is tennis that manages the padel. The situation struck me as so astonishing that I decided to devote my thesis to it. Much remains to be done to develop the padel in France.

By continuing my studies, and by carrying out numerous interviews, I understand that the current situation is difficult for many individuals. I think that the structure can be redesigned so that all the players in this sport can evolve in a healthy environment, in which they would be considered and supported. Thus, all would walk in the same direction with a common goal.

With the ambition to participate in the development process of this sport that I particularly like, by finding a way to see the courts of padel appear quickly on the territory

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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