Why padel may be the next gentleman’s sport

HRH Prince Abdul Mateen.

@tmski/Instagram

But before we delve further into padel, who gets to decide which sport belongs in the pantheon of gentility anyway?

For centuries, the answer was clear: the aristocracy. Raja, sultans, and dukes wielded power not just in courtrooms and battlefields, but also in leisure. Their choices dictated what was refined and what was common. But in the post COVID-19 era, aristocracy wears new clothes. They wear couture and manage personal brands. They command millions - if not billions - of followers. They sit not on thrones, but in front-row seats at fashion weeks, boardrooms of unicorn startups, and social media platforms that shape public consciousness overnight.

Could it be, then, that today’s influencers, athletes, and media elites are the new aristocracy?

Think of Anna Wintour, the queenmaker of fashion. If she nods, the world bows. Think of Rafael Nadal, a living tennis legend who, after conquering the traditional court, has now invested his reputation and resources into promoting padel. Zinedine Zidane too has joined the movement. Both icons are planting their standards in the rising court of padel, suggesting that this is more than just a passing trend. This might just be a cultural reorientation.

Zidane has opened sports centers named ZS and regularly plays padel.

Photo: Z5Padel

What is Paddle?

Padel (or paddle) is a doubles sport played on a smaller, enclosed tennis court. It mixes the strategic precision of tennis with the reflexive athleticism of squash. The court has walls that keep the ball in play, making rallies longer and more dynamic. Unlike the intimidating technicalities of golf or the stiff formalities of polo, padel is accessible, fun, and fast-paced. Yet it still demands finesse, footwork, and camaraderie - qualities a gentleman ought to master.

It’s not just for the young, either. In fact, padel rewards intelligence over brute strength. Strategy, placement, and teamwork can easily outshine raw power. In a way, it democratizes athleticism while still leaving room for elegance - a balance few modern sports strike.

In a 2021 interview with Padel Magazine, Nadal hinted at his interest in padel, calling it a growing sport that’s fun and easier to play than tennis. His Rafa Nadal Academy, housing 12 padel courts, aims to encourage young athletes and sports enthusiasts to embrace the sport.

Photo: Rafa Nadal Academy

Why Padel Could Be the Future Gentleman Sport

In a world increasingly defined by hyperconnectivity, shorter attention spans, and rising health consciousness, padel is the perfect antidote. It’s social, it’s physical, and it fosters a kind of ritual: arrive well-dressed, warm up gracefully, respect your opponent, shake hands (or fist-bump) after a match, and share a drink or conversation afterward.

It has also become a new networking ground. From private padel clubs in Dubai and Paris to rooftop courts in Manhattan and Mont Kiara, the sport is becoming a discreet arena of influence; akin to a modern-day gentlemen’s club, minus the cigars and billiard table.

Luxury brands have noticed. Fashion houses are sponsoring courts, padel gear is turning stylish, and the aesthetics of padel are made for Instagram. In a way, padel blends the heritage of old-world sports with the shareability of the modern lifestyle.

The New Aristocracy: Culture Makers, Not Crown Wearers

Let’s not pretend that today’s aristocracy rides horses through ancestral fields anymore. Today, the new nobles are those who control narratives - whether through elite publications, viral videos, or championship medals. If Nadal, Zidane, and the likes of Anna Wintour are seen backing a sport, its cultural capital skyrockets. The message is subtle but clear: this isn’t just a hobby. This is a movement.

And for the gentleman seeking excellence in the modern age, it presents a perfect storm. Padel demands social finesse, physical discipline, and emotional control - all traits that align with the gentleman's code. It allows one to remain rooted in tradition, yet relevant in the times.

So, the question is not whether padel can be a gentleman sport.

The real question is:

If aristocracy is now influence - and influence lies in your hands - will you join the court before the world catches on?