Andy Murray, the renowned British tennis player, has emerged as a prominent advocate for padel, a sport that has been rapidly gaining traction in the UK. As of 2025, nearly a million players are participating in padel, reflecting a significant surge in interest and engagement with the sport.

The immediate circumstances surrounding this growth are noteworthy. Participation in padel more than doubled from 400,000 players in 2024 to an impressive 860,000 in 2025. This remarkable increase highlights the sport’s appeal, particularly among those looking for a fun and accessible way to engage in physical activity.

By the end of 2025, the infrastructure supporting padel in the UK has also expanded significantly, with 1,553 courts available across 559 venues. This development not only facilitates greater access for players but also underscores the sport’s rising popularity and acceptance within the broader sporting community.

Padel, which combines elements of tennis and squash, has been described as particularly appealing due to its accessibility. Many players can start rallying and playing points from their very first session, making it an attractive option for newcomers to racquet sports. The average off-peak court booking cost is about £7 per person per hour, further enhancing its appeal as a recreational activity.

Historically, padel was once viewed as a quirky upstart or a continental fad. However, the increasing number of players and courts illustrates a shift in perception, positioning padel as a legitimate and popular sport in the UK. The sport, which originated in Mexico in the late 1960s, has found a welcoming environment in Britain, thanks in part to advocates like Murray.

Tom Murray, a commentator on the sport, noted, “The growth of padel, both in Britain and globally, is undeniable, with participation rising at an exponential rate.” His insights reflect the broader sentiment surrounding the sport’s rapid ascent in popularity.

As the sport continues to grow, the future of padel in the UK looks promising. With increasing participation and a solid infrastructure in place, it is likely that padel will continue to attract players of all ages and skill levels. The ongoing support from figures like Andy Murray will undoubtedly play a crucial role in this development.

In summary, the rise of padel in the UK, championed by Andy Murray, marks a significant shift in the sporting landscape, with nearly a million players engaging in the sport by 2025. The combination of accessibility, affordability, and advocacy has positioned padel as a key player in the UK’s recreational sports scene.

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Padel has exploded in popularity over the past few years in Britain. This surge has sparked conversations about the representation of women in the sport, particularly as only 30 percent of padel players are female. In established countries like Spain and Argentina, the situation is even more pronounced, with only 28 percent of top padel players being women.

Commitment to Gender Balance

The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) is actively working to address this disparity. Tom Murray, a representative of the LTA, stated, “As the national governing body, the LTA is committed to opening up padel, breaking down barriers to create meaningful opportunities for women and girls to discover, play, and thrive in the sport.” This commitment is crucial as the sport continues to grow.

Voices from the Community

Pepita Stonor, a notable figure in the padel community, shared her observations, saying, “It was social and fun but there were no women.” She further elaborated on the challenges faced by women taking up sports later in life, noting, “When I got to my late 40s and I was meeting women who had never played sport before, I realised quite quickly, when you’re at that age, to take up tennis or golf, because they’re very technical and hard, you need a lot of coaching.”

Insights from Tennis Players

In the realm of tennis, players like Jannik Sinner have expressed their passion for the sport. Sinner remarked, “I think we have a beautiful life, you know. We see so many great places.” His enthusiasm reflects the broader appeal of tennis and its potential to attract diverse participants.

Looking Ahead

As the sport evolves, the upcoming Indian Wells Open in 2026 is set to feature extensive coverage in the UK, highlighting both ATP 1000 and WTA 1000 events. This major tournament, often referred to as the fifth major in tennis, will likely play a significant role in shaping the future of both tennis and padel.

With initiatives aimed at increasing female participation and the growing popularity of padel, the landscape for tennis players is changing. Observers are keen to see how these developments will unfold in the coming years.

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