When Pro Padel League in the United States, Tensions have emerged between Teo Zapata and Aranza Osoro during the mixed event. Indeed, Osoro seemed to criticize Zapata for his overly powerful smashes. This controversy inevitably revives the question of mixed tournaments on the professional circuit.

In tennis, there are many mixed tournaments, such as the Olympic Games, the Grand Slams, and many other competitions… This is not the case in the padelIn France, as elsewhere, although mixed matches are present at the amateur level and in circuits such as the PPL, we note that there are obstacles to the development of mixed events.

The main obstacle: the danger of men's blows, capable of hitting very hard. While on the men's circuit, players regularly end up with a few "tattoos" due to powerful shots, there is sometimes a certain apprehension among female players, as well as a reluctance among men to play their game to the full.

The question of the existence of mixed tournaments padel on the professional circuit is complex and gives rise to mixed opinions. Here are some elements to consider when weighing the pros and cons of these tournaments at the highest level.

Arguments in favor of mixed tournaments on the professional circuit:

  1. Unique show : Mixed tournaments offer a different dynamic than traditional tournaments, with varied playing styles and unique strategies. This can attract a wider audience and make the show more captivating for spectators.
  2. Skill developpement : For players, participating in mixed tournaments can be an interesting challenge that forces them to adapt their game and develop new skills. This can enrich their experience and make them more well-rounded as athletes.
  3. Diversification of the circuit : The addition of mixed tournaments could diversify the offer on the professional circuit, offering players new opportunities to compete and fans a variety of content to enjoy. We see this for example in tennis…

Arguments against mixed tournaments on the professional circuit:

  1. Physical differences : Physical differences between men and women can create significant imbalances, especially at such a high level of competition. This could harm the fairness of the matches and the quality of the show.
  2. Security issues : As mentioned earlier, female players may feel unsafe when faced with powerful strikes from their male partners, increasing the risk of injury. This could be a deterrent to the participation of some female players.
  3. Organizational complexity : Organising mixed tournaments at a professional level can be complex, particularly in terms of specific rules that need to be adapted to ensure fairness and player safety. This could lead to constant debates about the necessary adjustments, which could make the management of the circuit more cumbersome.
  4. Limited public interest : Although mixed tournaments can attract a certain audience, it is possible that the general interest will be lower compared to traditional tournaments, where performances are more spectacular due to gender specialization.

We are waiting for your opinions!

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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