The history of padel: how the sport spread from Mexico around the world.
Padel began on a private property in Mexico in 1969. Within a few decades, the small enclosed court developed into an internationally governed sport.
The origin in one sentence
Enrique Corcuera built a 20 × 10 metre court in Acapulco in 1969 because there was not enough room for a tennis court. Its surrounding walls became part of the game—and padel's defining feature.
- 1969
- first padel court in Acapulco
- 1991
- FIP founded in Madrid
- 1992
- first World Championship
How padel travelled
Friends and visitors carried Corcuera's idea abroad. Alfonso de Hohenlohe introduced it to Marbella in the early 1970s; Julio Menditeguy took it to Argentina. Strong playing cultures grew there before the sport expanded further.
The compact court, doubles format and wall play gave padel a clear identity. Transportable glass courts introduced at the end of the 1980s also made major events easier to stage and watch.
From leisure game to world sport
The International Padel Federation, founded in 1991, gave the sport an international governing body. Spain and Argentina unified rules and the name pádel in 1997. Professional tours followed; from the 2024 season Premier Padel became the unified official global tour under FIP governance.
Acapulco
Enrique Corcuera creates the first enclosed 20 × 10 metre court.
Spain and Argentina
Alfonso de Hohenlohe and Julio Menditeguy introduce the sport to two countries that shape its future.
Federations and glass courts
Argentina forms the first national association; transportable glass courts help international events.
FIP and the first Worlds
FIP is founded in Madrid. The first World Championship follows in Spain one year later.
Unified rules
Spain and Argentina agree a common rule set and standardize the name pádel.
Premier Padel
The new tour is founded and becomes the unified official global professional circuit from 2024.
Try it on court
Put the theory into practice. Find a padel club in Austria or check current court availability.
Timeline sources
Milestones follow the International Padel Federation's history. Wikipedia and the FIP World Padel Report were used for cross-checking and context.
Editorially reviewed on 1 August 2026