Padel proves a big hit with stars at Pro Am event in Bristol
ROCKET Padel in Bristol - the UK’s largest club became the epicentre of all things padel on Wednesday, with elites, celebrities and sportspeople kicking off the Pro Am Padel Tour 2024.
The event brought together the best in the sport, with Tia Norton (British No 1), Aimee Gibson (British No- 2) and Louie Harris (British No 3) leading the charge alongside rising stars, including 11-year-old Ruby Mathias, and internationals, including world top 30 players Gonzalo Rubio and Rafa Vega, both from Spain.
Adding to the buzz, high-profile names from the sporting world and beyond joined the action. England cricketer Ollie Robinson, England rugby player Max Malins, rugby world cup-winner Amber Reed, Scotland and Bristol City footballer Lisa Evans, golf content creator Mia Baker, four-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist gymnast Claudia Fragapane, TV presenter Jenny Drummond and former Strictly Come Dancing star Radzi Chinyanganya all took to the court to showcase their skills.
Aimée Gibson and Bristol local Ruby Mathias won the women’s pro exhibition tournament, while Rubio and Malins took the men’s title. Ollie Robinson and Jenny Drummond were awarded MVPs.
World No 28 Rubio, who flew in from Madrid for the tournament, believes the UK will soon be one of the leading contenders in the world of padel.
He said: “It was a huge pleasure to play with high-profile celebrities from other major sports. It’s a great way to showcase padel. The most important thing today was to have fun, it’s so addictive. I think the UK will be one of the strongest countries in the world of padel.”
Bristol and England rugby player Reed is one of the sport’s latest recruits.
She said: “It’s been an awesome experience today. I’ve never played padel before but my padel partner Eloise has been really patient with me. It’s definitely something I’m going to take up in the future and play more of.”
TV presenter Chinyanganya also shared his thoughts on why padel is booming.
“It was a privilege to watch professional padel players do their thing. If I play tennis against Rafa Nadal it’s boring for him and impossible for me. What’s incredible about this sport is that the padel pros can still enjoy it while running us ragged. It’s been superb!”