From Tennis Champion to Padel Pioneer
In a landmark interview, Padel Smash Academy's Cesc Caceres and Julian Wortelboer sat down with David Nalbandian, a tennis legend who has transitioned into the world of Padel. Known for his incredible tennis career, which saw him reach World No. 3 and secure victories against icons like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, Nalbandian is now investing in the future of Padel in the United States.
A Journey from Tennis to Padel
Nalbandian’s introduction to Padel began after retirement when his cousin invited him to play. What started as casual games quickly turned into an investment opportunity, leading Nalbandian to co-own a Padel club near his hometown in Argentina. Now, his focus has shifted to Miami, a city he believes is the perfect gateway for Padel’s expansion into the American market.
Premier Padel Miami P1: A Strategic Bet
David Nalbandian is not just playing Padel; he’s investing in its future. As the Premier Padel Miami P1 Ambassador and Public Relations lead, he’s helping establish a five-year plan to make Miami a Padel powerhouse. Nalbandian and his team see long-term potential, recognizing that while Padel is still relatively unknown in the U.S., it has all the elements to become a mainstream sport.
"Miami is a perfect city to start because of its large Latin American and Spanish community," Nalbandian explains. "We believe that Premier Padel Miami will be the beginning of a major success story in the U.S."
The Challenge: Getting Americans on Board
While Padel is massive in Europe and Latin America, the challenge is making it resonate with American sports culture. Nalbandian believes the key is simple: get people on the court.
"We need to give Americans the opportunity to play," he says. "Clubs need trainers, local tournaments, and a strong community presence. The emergence of the PPL (Pro Padel League) is a great step in that direction."
Why Invest in Padel in the U.S.?
With deep roots in Argentina and Spain, it would’ve been easier to invest in Padel’s already booming markets. So why bet on the U.S.? Nalbandian sees an untapped opportunity.
"It’s a risk, but a calculated one," he states. "Padel has the potential to grow exponentially in the U.S. over the next 5-10 years. It’s all about creating awareness, building infrastructure, and making it accessible."
Bringing Tennis Stars into the Padel Scene
A topic that arose during the conversation was how former tennis stars can bring legitimacy and exposure to Padel. Nalbandian acknowledges that tennis greats like Rafael Nadal are already dabbling in the sport, with Padel courts at his academy.
"Imagine getting tennis legends like Nadal, Roddick, or McEnroe to play Padel at an event—it would be massive!" says Julian Wortelboer. "The U.S. audience needs familiar faces to take notice."
A Future Built on Community and Exposure
While many Americans play Padel, very few watch professional matches or follow the sport’s stars. Nalbandian and his team recognize that bridging this gap is essential.
"We need to convert casual players into dedicated fans who engage with Padel beyond just playing," Cesc Caceres notes.
The strategy? Local club outreach, promotional events, and media exposure. With Nalbandian and his team investing heavily in these efforts, the foundation is being laid for a Padel boom in the United States.
Final Thoughts: A Long-Term Vision
David Nalbandian is betting on Padel’s future, not for short-term gains but for a lasting impact.
"We believe in step-by-step growth. Miami is just the beginning, and with the right efforts, Padel will be a major sport in the U.S. in the coming years."
The message is clear: Padel’s future in the U.S. is bright, and with pioneers like Nalbandian, Caceres, and Wortelboer leading the charge, it’s only a matter of time before Americans fully embrace the sport.
📢 Watch the full interview on Padel Smash Academy’s YouTube channel and stay updated on Padel’s rise in the U.S.!