A recent survey conducted by Padel Magazine revealed that 77% of participants believe that international padel championships should no longer be organised in summer. This opinion is particularly crystallized following the recent European Padel Championships in Sardinia, where temperatures regularly exceeded 35 degrees Celsius.

Temperatures in Cagliari in July

Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia, is known for its hot summers. In July, the average temperature is around 30 degrees Celsius, with peaks that can easily exceed 35 degrees. These extreme weather conditions make playing intense sports like padel particularly challenging for players.

The risks for players

Having athletes play in the middle of summer in oppressive heat carries several risks:

  1. Heatstroke : High temperatures increase the risk of heat stroke, a serious medical condition that requires immediate attention.
  2. dehydration : Playing in intense heat causes excessive sweating, increasing the risk of dehydration, even with adequate hydration.
  3. Impaired performance : Heat can affect player performance, making them slower and less accurate, which can lead to injury.
  4. Excessive fatigue : Extreme heat accelerates fatigue, reducing players' ability to maintain a high level of play over long periods of time.
heat euro padel sardinia 2024 ginier collombon

The role of physiotherapists

France was one of the very rare nations to have two physiotherapists: one for women and one for men. This presence was a major asset, allowing French players to better manage critical moments and to distinguish themselves in difficult playing conditions. Assistance from physiotherapists likely helped prevent heat-related injuries and maintain optimal performance despite the “extreme conditions”.

Vivien Duport: “We allow players to be operational the next day”

Schedules and rotation structure

During these championships, the women started their matches at 9 am, while the men took over from 16 pm. Each rotation consisted of three padel matches lasting an average of 1h30. For the first rotation, this meant that the third match took place during the hottest hours of the day, considerably increasing the risks for the players.

Solution proposals

Faced with these trying conditions, several solutions can be considered:

  1. Change period : Organizing the championships during milder seasons, such as spring or autumn, where temperatures are more moderate, would guarantee better safety and performance of athletes.
  2. Play indoors : If the calendar does not allow changing the period of competitions, organizing matches in indoor facilities could offer a viable alternative, protecting players from extreme temperatures.
  3. Choose more temperate zones : Selecting venues for competitions located in regions with a more temperate climate during the summer would reduce heat-related risks.
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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