The organizers of the professional circuit Premier Padel have had a very difficult week for the start of the 2025 season, with the first stage taking place in Saudi Arabia, When Riyadh P1.

From the start, this first stage was heavily criticized, as it was the year before. But this time, in addition to the controversy, the organizers had to deal with unpredictable weather: temperatures flirting with 40 degrés, followed by unexpected rains… in Saudi ArabiaAs a result, several matches were postponed, and the men's final will finally be played Monday, instead of Saturday. An unusual situation, especially since, as is often the case Middle-East, the finals are scheduled the Saturday rather than the Sunday.

Another notable element: the women's final will not be played due to the package Bea González, who has clearly not yet fully recovered from her injuries in 2024.

Women's final cancelled in Riyadh: Bea Gonzalez reassures about her physical condition

A boycott that weakens Premier Padel

On the sidelines of the competition, an unprecedented revolt is shaking the men's circuit. The players are denouncing the new regulations established by Premier Padel and FIP. Despite several attempts to avoid a boycott of the next stage, the Gijon P2, the situation is irreversible: No players from the top 100 and almost none from the top 150 will be present in Spain.

Even more worrying, it seems that other stages of the circuit are also threatened by this protest. Some professional players, mainly Spanish and Argentinian, even consider boycott the FIP Tour. Behind the scenes, we hear:
“The costs are so high and the return on investment so low that in the end, it may not be so bad.”

A more complete file on this topic will be published in the coming days.

An exodus towards A1 Padel ?

The situation could get worse for Premier Padel. According to information obtained by Padel MagazineInter 10 and 15% of top 120 players would consider joining the other professional circuit, A1 Padel, starting this year.

As to Gijon P2, the holding of the men's tournament remains uncertain. If, for the moment, it is maintained with the remaining players, the organizers wonder: is it really necessary to offer a men's draw under these conditions? Premier Padel may not agree, as canceling a tournament results in contracts, commitments and partnerships to be respected. Certainly, the women's table will take place with the best players in the world, but the absence of male stars poses a real problem in terms of visibility and attractiveness for sponsors.

An unprecedented crisis

Behind the scenes, anger is (still) brewing against the FIP. Many players claim to have felt “deceived, duped, betrayed”. Some go so far as to predict a explosion coming within the circuit:
“FIP is an explosive subject, and one day everything could explode.”

What exactly are the players talking about? How widespread is the malaise?

One essential question remains: Are players really ready to face up to this? Premier Padel ? Stay tuned…

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.

On the same subject

Tags