The president of the International Federation of Padel, Luigi Carraro, gives a positive assessment of the event in Italy and discusses the challenges ahead for world padel. Interviewed by the Italian press agency HANDLE, he looks back on current successes, development prospects, as well as the long road leading, perhaps, to the Olympic Games.

Rome, a Major who confirms his place

For Luigi Carraro, the BNL Italy Major Premier Padel is a successful example of what international padel can offer. He particularly welcomes the joint presence of the men's and women's circuits, a format that few sports disciplines manage to establish sustainably. "We have built a circuit that is unique in the world of sport. Bringing men and women together in the same event is a strength of padel," he emphasizes.

Among the highlights of this Roman tournament, the awarding of a wild card to Sara Errani, a figure of Italian tennis, was particularly pleased with Carraro: "It's a strong symbol of the growth of our sport. Seeing an athlete like her on the slopes is a real source of pride. And this is undoubtedly just the beginning."

A discipline in full structuring

The figures demonstrate the continued growth of the practice: more than 10 slopes in Italy, 87 national federations recognized, with the ambition of reaching or exceeding one hundred by the end of 2025. The development strategy is based in particular on two pillars: the CUPRA FIP Tour, an international circuit which hosts more than 300 tournaments, and the FIP Promises, aimed at young talents.

“These circuits are essential: they are the ones that train the future players of the Premier Padel " recalls Carraro. He also emphasizes the need to make events accessible and attractive to the public. It is with this in mind that Rome has incorporated an original formula this year, with four tracks dedicated to professional training but also open to amateursA way to bring champions closer to the general public and create new vocations.

Italy in search of a central role

For Carraro, Italy has largely untapped potential in sport. While infrastructure is growing, top-level results are still being developed. But the FIP president is optimistic: "In the next four years, we will see the emergence of competitive Italian pairs, both men's and women's." He praises the Italian federation's efforts to support young people, with a strategy comparable to that implemented in tennis.

The Olympic objective: a demanding horizon

Inevitably, the question of Jeux Olympiques returns to the discussions. Padel now meets the majority of the criteria set by the International Olympic Committee: international presence, federal structures, media coverage (with broadcasting in 242 countries). But Luigi Carraro remains cautious.

"We don't make predictions. The IOC has its own deadlines and requirements. We simply have to continue to progress, step by step, by offering increasingly professional events. This is the only way to be credible."

For him, the Olympic dream is within reach, but it cannot be taken for granted. It is a fundamental project, driven by consistency, the quality of events, the commitment of federations... and patience.

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.

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