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Padel is no longer just about IT professionals and arbitration specialists. It has long since broken free from affiliate money and is becoming a new way to meet, recharge, and negotiate. We’ve already written about what it looks like when set points are flying on the court and new deals are being made behind the service line.
Now we continue. This time, we’re going to tell the story of Katya Egoreychenko, Partner Relationship Manager at HOMD Media, for whom padel is not just a game, but a way to find a common language without any small talk. She first tried it in Miami out of curiosity, without expectations. Today, she explains why padel is easy for beginners, how it differs from tennis, and how the game brings people together better than any meeting.
While this game used to be associated mainly with Spain or Argentina, today it is growing rapidly in places where it was almost unheard of yesterday.
Italy, for example, already has more than 9,000 courts, one of the highest numbers in Europe. Sweden made a leap from 500 courts in 2019 to more than 4,000 in 2022. And the United States has only recently entered the game, but at an impressive pace: less than 20 courts in 2019 versus more than 450 in 2023. In total, there are about 60,000 courts in the world as of the beginning of 2024, of which more than 70% are in Europe.
HOMD Media / Partner Relationship Manager
My story with padel started six years ago, when I was still living in Miami. I was invited to the opening of a new club – I came just for the company, but left with a new hobby. I added another racquet sport to my collection.
Since then, padel is no longer just a game for me. It’s something fresh, trendy, new. This is especially true after 20 years in tennis. As a person who played and coached, I understand well why everyone is switching to padel now: it’s a much easier start. If tennis requires an average of a dozen training sessions to get at least something right, then in padel you can start fooling around with your friends after the third game. And another bonus: padel is cheaper. Both for players and those who want to open their own club.
But that’s not the only thing. In padel, it doesn’t matter if you’re a girl or a boy. The main thing is that everyone on the court plays at the same level. And then there will be both drive and fun.
Another plus is that it’s a game about communication. Shared experience, one topic of conversation, a lot of fans. Tell me, what could be better?
And most importantly, people really open up on the court. In one hour of play, you can see more than in dozens of work zooms. And for business, this is gold.
When you play not just for fun, but seriously, it’s even interesting. I’ve been to several tournaments, and every time I caught the same vibe: excitement, buzz, community. That’s what makes Padel cool – everyone comes for their own reasons. Someone wants to win, someone just wants to warm up and relax. And that’s okay! It all depends on the organizers, of course, but the atmosphere makes all the difference.
By the way, let’s forget the myth that padel is only about affiliate parties. This sport is already everywhere and has been gaining momentum for years. I can’t think of another sport that has taken off so quickly.
For me, padel is not just a sport. It’s about victories, drive, reboots, new acquaintances, and achievements.
And finally, here is a little advice for those who are just starting. Don’t run out and buy the most expensive racket right away. It may not be your best option at all. It must be comfortable and lightweight. Rent a few models, try them out, and you’ll find your own. Or write to me and I’ll tell you what to do 😉 See you on the court!