Padel From Acapulco to Miami
In this Second captivating episode, Minter Dial delves into the world of Padel with Nallé Grinda, a passionate player and entrepreneur whose journey in the sport began at the tender age of five. From his first encounter with Padel in Acapulco in 1981 to his current efforts in expanding the sport across the United States, Nallé shares his unique insights and experiences, painting a vivid picture of Padel’s evolution and bright future.
The Early Days in Acapulco
Nelly’s Padel story begins in the sun-soaked courts of Acapulco, with the Corcuera family, where he participated in what he humorously calls the “unofficial first junior championships” in 1981. He recalls the quirky nature of early Padel courts, each with unique features and rules. From AC units on back walls that required lets to be played, to courts with vastly different wall heights on each side, these early experiences showcase the sport’s informal and adaptable beginnings. See what Mrs. Corcuerra offered Nallé for winning the junior championships.
Nallé Grinda’s Professional Journey
As Nallé grew, so did his involvement in Padel. He represented France in international events for a decade, reaching the semifinals of the European championships in 2007. His team was the first to beat a Spanish couple in a FIP event, a significant milestone in the sport’s competitive history. Beyond playing, Nallé’s passion led him to open his first Padel club in Nice in 2003, marking the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey in the sport. Nowadays, he is building his brand, PadelX, a place in the US.
Padel vs. Pickleball: A Balanced Perspective
With the rising popularity of pickleball in the United States, Nallé offers a nuanced view on the coexistence of these two racket sports. Rather than seeing them as competitors, he views them as complementary, serving different purposes and audiences. While acknowledging pickleball’s ease of setup and accessibility, Nallé firmly believes in Padel’s superior qualities as a spectator sport and its more challenging gameplay.
Playing Style and Favorite Shots
Describing his playing style, Nallé likens himself to an “older bear,” emphasizing his offensive approach and powerful overhead shots. He draws inspiration from left-handed players like Juan Martin Diaz, adapting their relentless attacking style to his game. While the overhead is his favorite shot, Nallé candidly admits that the bandeja (defensive lob) is an area he’s keen to improve, especially as the game evolves and his physical capabilities change. Nevertheless, after the FIP announcement of starting senior tours and competitions, Nallé cannot wait to return and represent his home country, France.
Life Lessons from Padel
Nallé reflects on the valuable life lessons that Padel, and sports in general, have taught him. He emphasizes the importance of resilience, self-improvement, and humility. In a sport where losing is far more common than winning, Nallé has learned to bounce back from setbacks, continuously analyze his performance, and strive for improvement – skills he finds invaluable in all aspects of life.
The Future of Padel in the United States
With his company Padel X, Nallé is at the forefront of expanding Padel’s presence in the U.S. He shared the exciting news of opening up a club in downtown Miami and plans for upcoming clubs in prime locations like Boca Raton, as soon as the building permits are in order, each set to host at least 10 courts. Despite challenges in finding suitable locations due to high real estate prices, Nallé remains optimistic about Padel’s growth potential in the American market. He is going full throttle with his PadelX clubs. Click Here to learn more about Nallé’s predictions on Padel in the US on Spotify or YouTube.
The Essence of Padel
Throughout the conversation, Nallé emphasized Padel’s unique aspects that set it apart from other racket sports. He noted that unlike tennis, which is often a game of winners, Padel is a game of minimizing errors. This fundamental difference not only affects playing strategy but also embodies the sport’s ethos of continuous improvement and adaptability.
As the episode concludes, Nallé’s passion for Padel shines through, from his cherished memories of playing with long-time friends to his excitement about competing in senior tours. His story is a testament to Padel’s journey from a niche sport in Acapulco to an emerging favorite in the United States, promising an exciting future for Padel enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
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