Highlights

Bringing you the best stories from the world of padel.

Explore the stories, tips and coverage we think you won’t want to miss.

OLYMPIC DREAMS – Is Padel’s Moment Finally Within Reach?

Could Brisbane 2032 be padel’s moment? Padel’s global explosion has sparked a tantalising question: when will we see it on the Olympic stage? Los Angeles 2028 is already off the […]

1 min read

Meet South Africa’s new No.1.

Meet Luan Krige, South Africa’s top-ranked player with his sights set firmly on the world stage. At just 24, Paarl’s Luan Krige has risen to the top of South African […]

1 min read

SERENA WILLIAMS: Joins Heineken® 0.0 as Global Ambassador

Tennis legend Serena Williams is taking her love of racket sports to the next level – joining Heineken® 0.0 as its new global ambassador and bringing a little star power […]

1 min read

On The Local Court

South Africa’s First National Padel Championship Crowns its Open Division Champions

The Growthpoint SA Nationals Padel Championships 2026 concluded at Padel 365’s Century City club on Sunday 18 October, completing eight divisions across two weekends. Cape Town, 21 October 2026 – […]

3 min read

SAPA Communication

2027 national tournament programme Dear SAPA member clubs, tournament organisers and commercial partners SAPA is preparing the 2027 national tournament programme and invites clubs, organisers and sponsors to register their interest. Our priorities are to confirm the main calendar early, appoint reliable delivery partners and provide clear national standards for tournaments, sponsorship and streaming. National and international recognition SAPA has made important progress towards formal recognition. The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has recognised SAPA, andthis recognition was submitted to the International Padel Federation in mid-September as part of SAPA’s affiliation process. FIPaccreditation is expected shortly. SAPA also continues to engage with SASCOC. These steps are intended to open stronger international opportunities for South African players, support the hosting of internationalevents and create a recognised pathway for national colours where appropriate. A credible national calendar, consistent rankings andproperly sanctioned tournaments are central to that progress. Building on 2026 The 2026 season established a strong national tournament base and showed what works, where player demand is strongest and whichorganisers can deliver successfully. It also highlighted the risks of overcrowding the calendar, inconsistent administration and eventsproceeding without sufficient entries. The 2027 programme will build on this experience with earlier planning, protected dates and consistent rules. Proposed 2027 tournament structure SAPA is planning the following national framework. Final numbers will be confirmed with the calendar: Category 1: Planned range: 4 […]

4 min read

Padel ZA Digi Mag

Smash Into Our Digi Mag!

Step onto the court and dive into our latest issue, packed with the stories, players, trends and moments shaping the world of padel. Your next read is just a smash away!

GAME ON

Upcoming Padel Events

From tournaments to industry events and networking opportunities – here’s what’s happening in the padel world. Don’t miss out!

Exclusive

Premier Padel in Pretoria

30OCT

SA Grand Johannesburg

30 October 2026 – 1 November 2026
Net Set Padel Sandton City
6NOV

SA Grand Port Elizabeth Open

6 November 2026 – 8 November 2026
TPC The Padel Centre
13NOV

SA Grand Durban Major

13 November 2026 – 15 November 2026
Sibaya Casino
20NOV

AAA Eastern Cape Open

20 November 2026 – 22 November 2026
AAA Padel & Social

Your Padel Hub

Explore the latest from the world of padel, from game-changing players and expert tips to gear, culture, tournaments and everything in between.

The Diary of Big Bear: The Sport That Should Come With a Warning Label

Padel is addictive. Just ask Big Bear, whose casual introduction to the sport has evolved into weather checks, racket obsession, grip tape debates and Tuesday-night Americanos. But this particular session […]

1 min read

The Diary of Big Bear. Too much time, too many ideas, too little contact… A Padel Horror Story

At 42, Big Bear thought he’d seen most things sport could throw at him. Then came padel… a game that looks friendly and social, until a slow-moving ball gives you […]

1 min read

The diary of Big Bear. Mid-Life Crisis on a Slip-and-Slide: My Second Padel Match

After surviving his first padel match, Big Bear returned to the court feeling like a seasoned pro. Unfortunately, his confidence was considerably higher than his skill level, and then the […]

1 min read

My first Padel Experience: A Tale of Balls, Bravery and a Bad

What happens when a 42-year-old self-confessed sports spectator, a dodgy knee and far too much confidence step onto a padel court for the first time? Chaos. Glorious, hilarious chaos. Our […]

1 min read

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