In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, our survey into padel players and relationships has brought to light the intricate dance between love and the beloved sport of padel.
This rapidly growing sport, a delightful hybrid of tennis and squash, offers not just physical activity but also a unique arena for couples to test their relationship.
The Challenges: The Competitive Edge of Love
Despite the joy and health benefits padel brings into lives, it’s not without its trials in the realm of love.
Our survey revealed that 34% of respondents have experienced tension in their relationships due to the time spent on the court.
A poignant example comes from a player who overheard a neighbour’s dispute over excessive padel play, highlighting a common concern about balancing sport and family life.
“Once I was on my terrace chilling and overheard the neighbours arguing about the husband playing padel multiple times a week and not spending enough time with his family”
Arguments on the padel court can also reflect deeper relationship dynamics.
“Almost every married couple I have played against at some point started arguing with each other on the court,” shared one respondent, suggesting that the sport can sometimes be a battleground for unresolved issues.
In an interview with Otro Nivel Padel, Paquito Navarro, former World #1 pro, says his biggest padel advice is to:
“Never play mix with your romantic partner – too many breakups started this way.”
This was echoed by another player we surveyed:
“I highly recommend NOT playing with your romantic partner – advice I have taken myself and I am not yet divorced”
Equally, however, our survey found that not getting your partner involved on the court can also be detrimental.
One participant joked that “It turns out girls don’t like when you leave them alone to go play padel”.
Another said: “when I started playing padel my now ex-girlfriend would literally ask me “are you really going to play padel again?”
So for these 34% of players, it seems like you can’t win. Bring your significant other and inevitably argue, don’t bring them and they question how much time you’re spending with them.
Do not worry, however, it’s not all doom and gloom…
Overcoming Obstacles: The Power of Shared Passions
Amidst the challenges, a significant 42% of those surveyed reported positive impacts on their relationships through padel.
The sport provides a common ground for couples to engage, communicate, and even grow together.
“Both me and my wife play 2-3 times per week. Sometimes more. We have small kids. So it’s a way to get out of the house. Most of the time it works out really well.”
“We play mix games now and then which is a nice way to spend time together.” Says one enthusiastic player, underlining the benefits of shared physical activities.
For couples with more mature families, padel becomes a way to reconnect and spend quality time together.
“Since our kids are big enough…it’s not a problem for my partner that I play almost every day some weeks,” a respondent notes, highlighting how the sport can fit into a balanced family life.
Moreover, padel can serve as a bridge to understanding and patience.
“I’ve started playing with my girlfriend…it helped our relationship,” reflects another player, emphasising the constructive dialogues and teamwork that can emerge from playing together.
The survey underscores a crucial aspect of navigating padel and relationships: communication and compromise.
One player found a creative solution to potential conflicts by introducing their partner to padel, transforming a solitary hobby into a shared venture, “Now she also plays.”
The Verdict: Love Wins on the Padel Court
The stories and statistics from our survey paint a complex but ultimately hopeful picture of love in the time of padel.
While 34% have faced challenges, the majority find ways to incorporate this passion into their relationships positively.
Whether it’s through giving each other space to play, starting the sport together, or even using it as a means to stay fit and connected, padel has proven to be more than just a game for many couples.
This Valentine’s Day, the message from the padel community is clear: with understanding, flexibility, and a bit of fun, couples can navigate the highs and lows of their padel adventures together.
Love, like padel, requires teamwork, communication, and sometimes, letting the other person win.