Here is the official press release of the French Tennis Federation (FFT), concerning the development of padel In the coming years.

Arnaud Di Pasquale appointed Director of the mission Padel within the FFT

Paris, the 29 March 2021

On the proposal of the President of the French Tennis Federation, Gilles Moretton, and in consultation with Arnaud Clément, Vice-President for the high level, integrating the evolution of the DTN, the French teams and the development of the padel, the Executive Committee appoints Arnaud Di Pasquale Director of the Padel created specifically by the FFT to accelerate the development of this new discipline.

Arnaud Di Pasquale, true passionate Padel, a discipline that he practices diligently, will bring his experience and expertise to the exercise of his new functions. Under the direct responsibility of Amélie Oudéa-Castéra, Chief Executive Officer, his mission will be to steer the new development strategy Padel in France, with the desire that the FFT be recognized as the Federation of all clubs of Padel. As part of this action plan, it will launch several projects: the creation of a license Padel, essential for a better recognition of the discipline, the establishment of a real support near all the clubs of Padel or the development of training and education in order to better support practice. To do this, it will draw on the know-how developed by the FFT and establish synergies with the DTN, in particular for the physical and mental preparation of the athletes.

Arnaud Di Pasquale, who will work in close collaboration with the International Federation of Padel (FIP), will also aim for France to become a real leader on the international scene and to be able to host more international tournaments, making it possible to offer a greater influence to this discipline.

In full swing, the Padel, an accessible, fun and convivial discipline, attracts more and more followers each year and currently has around 110 practitioners in France, of which 000 are classified. The latter take advantage of the multiplication of pitches (11 in France) to indulge their passion in the clubs of the FFT, of which 000 clubs have pitches of Padel.

Aged 42, Arnaud Di Pasquale, former professional tennis player, distinguished himself by winning in particular the bronze medal (in singles) at the Olympic Games in Sydney in 2000, as well as a title on the main circuit, in Palermo. in 1999. He obtained the best ranking of his career in 2000 by reaching the 39th place in the world. After a series of injuries, he ended his career in 2006. In 2010, he was appointed head of the high level for men at the DTN of the FFT before occupying the position of National Technical Director from 2013 to 2017.

“I am very happy and proud that Arnaud Di Pasquale, carried by his passion for Padel, accepted this mission. With his experience as a high-level player, but also as a former DTN of the FFT, I am convinced that he will successfully meet this magnificent challenge and that he will be able to exploit the immense potential of this discipline in the service of our clubs ”, declares Gilles Moreton, president of the FFT.

“I would like to thank the President of the FFT for having organized an official meeting last week between the French Tennis Federation and the FIP. I am delighted that the FFT wishes to give new impetus to the development of Padel in France. The FIP indeed needs the support of France in its development project ”, declares Luigi Carraro, President of the International Federation of Padel.

Some figures on the Padel in France

  • 11 ranked players.
  • 25 practitioners referenced by the FFT through its Ten'Up application
  • About 110 people practice Padel (Metropolis and Overseas)
  • Competitions: 1966 Padel in 2019, 1562 in 2020 despite more than 3 months without competitions.
  • The number of clubs with Padel went from 315 (on March 1, 2020) to 365 (on March 1, 2021).
  • 838 sites referenced to date

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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