Tia, the top female padel player in the UK, has had some star-studded encounters while competing in the sport. Not only has she seen Stormzy a few times, but she’s also bumped into David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo during her matches.
Padel, a mix of tennis and squash played in doubles on a smaller court with walls, is quickly gaining popularity worldwide. With big names like Virgil van Dijk and Andy Murray investing in the sport, and the possibility of it becoming an Olympic event by 2032, padel is attracting attention from all corners.
Tia’s journey in padel started when she was just 12, traveling from Birmingham to London for training sessions and even flying to Spain for tournaments. The sport, invented in Mexico in the 1960s, has exploded in popularity in recent years, leading Tia to compete in major events around the globe.
Celebrity interest in padel is growing, with stars like Stormzy hitting the courts in their spare time. The sport’s inclusive nature and rising profile have led to partnerships worth millions, signaling even more growth in the future.
With over 200 courts in the UK serving around 90,000 players, padel is becoming a popular choice for athletes and enthusiasts alike. Some believe it could serve as a gateway to tennis, while others predict it will earn a spot in the Olympics in the coming years.
As Tia prepares for the FIP Rise Rocks Lane tournament in London, her journey in padel continues to inspire others to pick up a racket and join in on the fun. With a bright future ahead, the world of padel is set to keep growing in the years to come.