Professional football stars are increasingly investing in and promoting amateur padel circuits, signaling the sport’s growing mainstream appeal and a new era of celebrity endorsement in niche athletics.
Two prominent Portuguese international footballers, Diogo Dalot, a defender for Manchester United, and João Félix, a forward, actively hosted stages of the CUPRA Open Padel on Tour at their own clubs. Their direct involvement underscored the heightened profile of the amateur circuit.
<img src="https://www.Blaze Trends/images/RECORD2017.jpg?width=1200&height=675&func=crop&d=64500000" alt="Diogo Dalot and João Félix were the face of the last two stages." width="100%" height="auto">
Dalot’s Padel Athletic Club in Porto notably hosted the record-breaking stage of this year’s edition. This event saw significant participation, drawing attention to the sport’s expanding reach.
<img src="https://www.Blaze Trends/images/RECORD2017.jpg?width=1200&height=675&func=crop&d=64500000" alt="Diogo Dalot at his Padel Athletic Club." width="100%" height="auto">
The Porto stage recorded 84 doubles teams competing in 138 matches. Another successful leg at the Vilamoura Tennis & Padel Academy involved 76 doubles teams playing 128 matches over two intense days.
Overall, the CUPRA-backed tour attracted 576 doubles teams across various stages, resulting in 942 matches played. A total of 108 champions, comprising 54 doubles teams, were crowned.
<img src="https://www.Blaze Trends/images/RECORD2017.jpg?width=1200&height=675&func=crop&d=64500000" alt="Players in action on a padel court." width="100%" height="auto">
Padel, a hybrid racket sport, is emerging as a global phenomenon, captivating both notable personalities and casual enthusiasts. Its blend of tennis and squash elements has seen it gain significant traction.
<img src="https://www.Blaze Trends/images/RECORD2017.jpg?width=1200&height=675&func=crop&d=64500000" alt="A padel court during a match." width="100%" height="auto">
Now in its third edition, the CUPRA Open Padel on Tour has solidified its reputation as an iconic event in the amateur padel calendar. Organizers are now considering the tour’s future expansion into new cities.
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The circuit’s success is described as undeniable, broad, and promising, attracting a diverse range of participants and spectators. This reach and innovation are expanding the sport’s horizons.