Le padel is a growing sport in France. To better understand the directions and future developments, we spoke with Stéphane Berrafato, Manager and Coordinator Padel within the French Tennis Federation.

It details the main modifications and creations of championships planned for the year 2024.

1. Creation of the French U16 Championships in pairs
The French Tennis Federation (FFT) wishes to continue to develop the padel for young people. After the launch of competitions for the under 18s in 2023, the French U16 championships will see the light of day in 2024. The objective is to create new vocations.

2. Overhaul of the U14 formula
Although the rate of young players and competitors remains relatively low (about 6%), a slight increase has been observed over the past year. Thus, in 2024, the FFT plans to review the formula of the championships for the under 14s, with an Interleague championship for boys and another for girls.

3. Creation of the first French Championships over 45 years old in pairs
A new competition for players aged 45 and over will be introduced, with regional phases.

4. Creation of the first French Championships padel-armchair
A championship dedicated to wheelchair players will also be created, without regional phases and with a “Cut” type selection.

5. Revisions to the rules and competition formulas
The FFT is working on several adjustments, in particular with regard to the specifications of the P1500, the refereeing rules, and the rules for team competitions. Changes will also be made to Interclub competitions.

6. Harmonization of the national calendar
An effort is underway to harmonize the dates of the various competitions across all leagues, particularly for the R1 (Interclubs), the U16 & U18 regional championships, and the +45 regional championships. The number of P1500 tournaments will increase from 4 to 6 in 2024, while the number of P2000s will remain the same.

Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovers the padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since padel is part of his life. You often see him touring France going to cover the major events of padel French.

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