Jurgen Klopp plays it. So does Andy Murray. John Smit too.
No sport has had such success in so short a time as padel, a hybrid of tennis and squash with a high-energy feel.
Four hundred courts have sprung up in South Africa since 2020, Sun City among the latest to embrace the phenomenon.
The sport has exploded in Europe – there are over 5000 courts in Italy alone, and Spain has 3,7 million players – and the market for paddles, balls and padel gear has created an economy all its own. With 25 million devotees around the world, it’s a craze that knows no end.
Devised in Mexico in the 1960s, padel is vaguely like tennis but played on a smaller court with back walls you can play off. The sport is wildly sociable with its devotees unashamedly there for the fun (mostly).
In Joburg, you can hardly throw a stick without hitting a padel court. It has boomed in all the major metropoles which is why Sun City has joined the party (not to speak of a projected international growth rate of 9,7 percent through 2027).
The resort has four brand-new outdoor doubles courts, along with a reception area, Pro Shop, coffee shop and ablutions at a total development cost of R8-million.
“Once again we are demonstrating that we understand what visitors want and always create the latest and best entertainment for our guests,” said Sun City GM Brett Hoppé.
“With padel known for being a relaxed sport which is extremely social, it is a perfect fit for Sun City, where we have many holiday-makers who enjoy being active,” Hoppé said.
The game is played with rules similar to tennis, with a net in the middle of the court over which players must pass a ball by hitting it with their racket. The side walls of the enclosed court are used as part of the gameplay. Serving is underarm, using a short-handed racket which is smaller than its tennis counterpart, and unstrung.
Official padel balls are slightly smaller in diameter and have less pressure than tennis balls. Matches consist of three or five sets, with players changing sides every time an odd number game is played. When the first player or team wins the majority of sets, the winner is declared.
Sun City aims to host regional, national, and even international padel events at its swanky new facility.
“In the future, South Africa could be sending a padel team to the Olympic Games if it is accepted as a sport, and your game at Sun City could be the start of a new passion,” Hoppé said.
The open padel courts, constructed with high-quality Astro Life turf imported from Europe, are lit at night to allow extended play. The courts are open daily from 6am until 10pm, at a cost of R500 per hour per court, excluding rackets and balls.
Specially appointed marshalls are on hand to collect balls and keep courts clean. Racket hire and sales are available from the Pro Shop, along with balls and other padel gear.
Bookings can be made via the Playtomic application. Dedicated on-site parking is available for players, and corporate packages are also offered for conferencing at the resort, with bespoke catering options.
