Le Greenweez Paris Major has been validated for a period of 3 years (2022 to 2024) with Premier Padel. Although it seems difficult to imagine that Premier Padel and French Tennis Federation (FFT) do not continue their adventure together for many decades, negotiations to renew the Major within Roland Garros are still ongoing, according to our sources.

Is the Greenweez Paris Major in danger?

One of 4 majors could he really escape Roland Garros, when the FFT has already invested so much in this tournament? Premier Padel Is he trying to raise the stakes by putting France in competition with other nations? Let us try to answer these questions.

Roland-Garros is not only a legendary tennis venue, it is also one of the most famous sporting venues in the world. In 2024, the stadium hosted more than 500 000 spectators over the fortnight of the tennis tournament, a figure which demonstrates its ability to generate record attendance. For Premier Padel, organizing an event in this emblematic place, which attracts a global audience, means capitalizing on its international visibility.

Refusing the FFT and its financial investments for the Paris Major would amount to neglecting a key partner for the expansion of padel.

A 3rd edition crowned with success despite the challenges

Despite difficult conditions for this 3rd edition – coinciding with the Olympic Games, an unfavourable date in September/October and capricious weather – the FFT recorded its best year. The center was almost full for the final, and the facilities welcomed more than 60 000 spectators.

With over 500 practitioners, France is establishing itself as one of the great padel nations, appearing in the European top 4. As a member of the International Federation of Padel (FIP), the FFT plays the international card, by subsidizing competitions, supporting its best players and encouraging their participation in the international circuit.

New locations for Premier Padel Major starting in 2025?

So why should the FFT be worried?

As is often the case, behind the love of the game lies a financial dimension increasingly crucial. Countries and cities are actively positioning themselves to win a Major, and Madrid is the first to absolutely want to host this event.

But beyond the financial aspect, it must be admitted that two nations are surprisingly absent from the Majors...

Spain and Argentina: the big absentees

None of the 4 majors current events do not take place in Spain nor in Argentina, even though they are the two biggest padel nations, with impressive and passionate fan bases. Although Doha , Rome, Paris et Acapulco are exceptional sites, how can we explain to Madrid that it deserves less than one of these 4 places?

This is the whole dilemma for Premier Padel : it is becoming urgent to offer a Major to Spain. But with only 4 majors available, we will have to make room.

Hard to reach sites

  • Rome : Untouchable, because of its emblematic site and the fact that the president of the FIP is Italian. In addition, he sits on the board of Premier Padel, next to Nasser al-Khelaifi and Diego Miller, his right-hand man.
  • Doha : The fiefdom of Premier Padel, recognized for its exceptional organization, both for players and for the media. Despite a still limited audience, this site is very popular with players.
  • Acapulco : Although in danger, this site retains a strong symbolic value, being linked to the creator of padel, Enrique Corcuera, and remains the only event in Latin America.

A FFT partnership and Premier Padel unavoidable

In conclusion, Premier Padel would have little interest in not renewing its confidence in the FFT. The world image of Roland Garros is a major asset for the circuit, especially in a context where Premier Padel sought to win the hearts of fans and players during his rivalry with the former World Padel Tour.

Let's not worry: unless there is an earthquake, the paddle will continue to illuminate Roland Garros, and vice versa, for many more years.

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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