Ten years ago, in 2014, the French Tennis Federation (FFT) integrated the paddle in its statutes. Although the beginnings were gradual, padel has developed at high speed in France. Since 2018, under the impetus ofHubert Picquier, the first elected official in charge of this discipline, and with the growing investment of the FFT, padel has reached a decisive milestone. The most striking example remains the organization of the Paris Major au Roland-Garros stadium, renewed for five years until 2029. But beyond this flagship event, it is a whole success story which is emerging for the FFT.

The figures speak for themselves: more than 600 practitioners and soon 100 competitors recorded over the last twelve months, or players who have played in at least one approved tournament. An impressive figure that testifies to the growing enthusiasm for the competition. Approximately 16% of practitioners participated in an official tournament, a sign that the paddle is not limited to simple leisure. The growth in the number of regular players also translates into an increased demand for competitions, from the smallest categories to the most elite.

Successful structuring of tournaments

Despite some criticism, the FFT maintained its strategy and consolidated the foundations of the competition in France. P25 to P250 tournaments have become essential and their number continues to grow. To meet a specific demand, a new category, the P50, should see the light of day next September. If its officialization remains pending, certain leagues, like that of the Martinique, have already announced their intention to adopt it.

The P500 tournaments have undergone a particular evolution. Once the first step for experienced players, this category is today a gateway to P1000. The stop of the prize money required has led to an explosion in the number of P500s, although their level has decreased. A phenomenon that also affects P250, but which remains a logical consequence of the multiplication of tournaments and the number of players. A P500 of 2021 corresponds today to a P250 in terms of level, while the P1000, P1500 and P2000 took over for the more seasoned players.

With the regionalization of P1000 Planned for next September, the challenge will be to avoid an imbalance between regions and limit competition between tournaments on the same weekend. The balance seems to be preserved for the moment, but this reform will require careful monitoring.

The P2000, showcase of French padel

The P2000, elite French padel tournaments, have established themselves as essential stages. Although they no longer systematically bring together the best French players, the level remains very high, particularly among the men. The example of the P2000 of Spirit Padel as evidenced by: the competition highlighted promising young players, like Tom Basso, finalist alongside Damien Bayard, or evenAlexis Coulombon, who shone with Ludovic Cancel to secure a fourth place at Lyon.

The coach of the French team, Pablo Ayma, underlines the importance of these tournaments to detect new talents : "This competition is very important to me. While some players are essential to the French national team, we can see how France has an impressive pool of competitive young players. This P2000 in Lyon is a perfect example of that."

A strong message sent to young people seeking to make a place for themselves in the elite. final of the P2000 of Lyon also illustrated the step to take : Tom Basso encountered the experience of Benjamin Tison, formerly ranked in the world's top 60. The path to the highest level is only just beginning for these young hopefuls.

A key issue: training coaches

Another significant step forward for the FFT : the renewal of the Professional Purpose Title (TFP) for padel teachers. Despite a long fight against France Skills, this certification for obtaining a padel diploma, essential for supervising the practice of padel in France, has been validated for a period of three yearsA relief for students and clubs, faced with a growing demand for qualified supervisors.

A sport now anchored in mentalities

Finally, the popularization of padel in France is undeniable. No need to explain what this sport is. The term “padel” is no longer confused with the stand-up paddle, proof of its roots in the sporting world.

La FFT has therefore succeeded in its challenge: to structure and grow a booming sport, by establishing it sustainably in the French landscape. The next challenges will be to sustain this growth, deploy (which is already the case) actions to boost women's padel in competition, while adapting to the boom in this sport.

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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