Where Did Padel Come From? The Story of Enrique Corcuera and the First Court in Acapulco
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"Padel was born in a backyard in Acapulco. Not a lab. Not a boardroom. A walled-in court, shaded by palms, built by a man named Corcuera."
Where Did Padel Originate?
Padel was invented in 1969 by Enrique Corcuera in Acapulco, Mexico. He wanted to build a squash-style court at home, but lacked the space. Instead, he improvised — surrounding a small tennis-like court with walls and creating new rules. That court became the first padel court in the world.
It was simple. Social. Addictive. And completely new.
Who Was Enrique Corcuera?
Corcuera was a wealthy businessman and family man with a love for sport. But his real legacy is how he turned a limitation — not enough space — into a whole new game. He used solid rackets without strings, a ball similar to tennis, and designed a doubles-only sport meant for rallies, fun, and friendly rivalry.
How Did Padel Spread?
A visiting friend, Prince Alfonso of Hohenlohe, loved the game so much that he took it back to Marbella, Spain. From there, it exploded across Europe and South America — especially in Spain, Argentina, and Sweden.
Today, over 25 million people play padel worldwide.
Why Is Padel So Popular?
✅ It’s easy to pick up and hard to put down
✅ Played in doubles, it's a social game
✅ Fast, dynamic, and fun — with a lower barrier than tennis
✅ Played by celebrities, athletes, and now... you
What Does Corcuera Mean to Us?
Corcuera Padel Club is a tribute to that original court.
We make padelwear that blends performance, heritage, and style — for players who care about where padel started and where it’s going.
Every piece we drop nods to 1969, Acapulco, and the original club.
🔎 FAQs
Q: Who invented padel tennis?
A: Padel was invented by Enrique Corcuera in Acapulco, Mexico in 1969.
Q: What country did padel originate in?
A: Mexico. It began in a private backyard in Acapulco.
Q: Is padel different from tennis?
A: Yes — padel uses walls, is played in doubles, and uses solid rackets without strings.
Q: Why is padel so popular now?
A: It’s social, easy to pick up, and played in cool clubs around the world.
