The Joy of Padel is a Podcast sponsored by PADEL1969, in which the host, Minter Dial, discusses the latest about Padel and partakes in conversations with his weekly guest Padel professionals about the significance and impact of Padel as a sport.
In the first ever recorded episode (audio found on all of your favorite podcast providers, and video on YouTube) Minter Dial welcomed his father and brother to talk about the beginning of Padel as a sport and its introduction to their family.
The Origins and Evolution of Padel Tennis: A Family’s Perspective
Padel tennis, a sport that combines elements of tennis and squash, has been gaining popularity worldwide. In a recent conversation, on The Joy of Padel Podcast, three generations of the Dial family – Victor, William, and Minter – shared their experiences and insights about the sport’s origins and evolution.
Victor Dial, the family patriarch, recounted his introduction to Padel in Marbella, Spain, in 1974. Prince Alfonso, the owner of the Marbella Club, had just returned from Acapulco with plans for a new court and wooden rackets. Initially skeptical, Victor soon became an enthusiast, abandoning traditional tennis for this new sport. The early days of Padel were marked by improvisation and varying rules. Victor recounts funny stories about tennis, the introduction of Padel Tennis at the Marbella Club, as well as meeting young Luisito Nieto. Click to watch or listen to the episode for more anecdotes on Padel’s early years.
William Dial, Victor’s son, recalled playing on private courts in Saint-Tropez with rules borrowed from ping pong. According to William, the courts were quite different from today’s standardized versions, featuring concrete walls, heavy rackets, and makeshift fences.
Victor Dial’s Padel journey took an interesting turn in 1984 when he played on luxurious courts in Acapulco, even partnering with Henry Kissinger. These experiences highlight the sport’s appeal to casual players and high-profile figures.
Padel in the 21st Century
As Padel evolved, so did the playing styles and equipment. The family agrees that Padel offers unique challenges and joys. The unpredictable bounce off the walls and the constant possibility of turning a point around make it an exciting and humbling sport. William emphasizes that in Padel “it’s never over”, highlighting the sport’s capacity for dramatic comebacks.
The Dials also discussed the sport’s growth and potential. Victor expressed frustration at the difficulty behind early attempts to popularize Padel, noting that the introduction of glass courts was a game-changer for spectator appeal. Today, professional tournaments and online highlights are bringing Padel to a wider audience.
Comparing Padel to other racket sports, the Dial family considers Padel superior to the emerging Pickleball trend in the United States. They praise Padel for combining the best elements of tennis and squash, creating a social and enjoyable experience for players of all levels.
Conclusions on Padel
Minter Dial, who hosts the “Joy of Padel” podcast, sees the sport as more than a game. He views Padel as a way to bring people together, emphasizing its social aspects and the smiles it brings to players’ faces.
As Padel continues to grow globally, the Dial family’s passion for the sport serves as a testament to its enduring appeal across generations. From its humble beginnings in Marbella to professional leagues and glass-walled courts, Padel has come a long way – and its journey is far from over.
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