Trend sport padel tennis: Interview with professional player Dana Ackermann

It's a bit like tennis, but in a glass cage, with oversized table tennis rackets. No, this is not a sporting fever dream, but the reality of padel tennis - the trend sport that is currently taking the world by storm. From the sunny coasts of Spain to the converted tennis courts in Germany - padel, the fascinating mix of tennis and squash, is rapidly gaining popularity. In this interview, we delve into the world of padel and discover why this dynamic ball sport inspires players of all ages and fitness levels.

Hi dear Dana, can you first tell us a little about yourself?

Hi, I'm Dana, I live in Düsseldorf and I'm 33 years old. During the week I work as a brand manager. In my free time I like to be on the padel court.

What exactly is padel sport and how does it differ from classic tennis?

Padel is a mix of tennis and squash and is played in doubles - 2 against 2. The court is a little smaller than a tennis court and also has a net in the middle, but is surrounded by walls made of glass (panes) and bars. This frame can be incorporated into the game, which makes padel a dynamic sport and incredibly fun.

What equipment do you need for padel tennis and what does a typical padel racket look like?

You need a racket, balls and sportswear - and you're ready to go. You can usually rent or buy rackets and balls on site. A padel racket is significantly shorter than a tennis racket and is made entirely of plastic, often with small holes to reduce air resistance.

Can you briefly explain the basic padel tennis rules?

The game is scored like in tennis: there are two sets that a team must win to win the entire game. You need six games to win a set. In padel, there is no classic serve from above; the ball is served from below at hip height and must land diagonally in the opposite field. Then the point is played out. If the ball lands in the glass or grid first without touching the ground, it is considered "out" and the point goes to the opposing team.

There is currently a lot of hype surrounding the sport. How did you get into padel tennis?

I've been playing tennis since I was five years old, but in my 20s I focused more on studying and working. During the Corona pandemic, I found myself back on the court. I started tennis training again at TG Nord in Düsseldorf and that's where I first came into contact with padel - that was in 2021. The tennis club had two padel courts at the time. On Fridays there was an event called "Punk Friday", where we could enjoy Spanish tapas or paella together with the club members and try out the trendy sport of padel. I had so much fun that I hung up my tennis racket in no time and have only been on the padel court since then.

What do you like most about the trendy sport of padel?

I like playing in a team. The sport is very communicative and that suits me. You have to communicate a lot with your partner on the court - for example about where the opposing team is or where you see gaps in order to win the point in a small space. The special padel court also makes the game more exciting. It took me a while to learn how to play with the disc. In tennis, if the ball is played past you, the point is lost. In padel, on the other hand, that's when things really get going.

Professional padel tennis player Dana Ackermann prepares for a backhand on the padel court.

Is Padel more suitable for beginners or for experienced players?

Both. Padel is suitable for all age groups and levels. Since the discs can be included in the game, the rallies usually last longer and are more exciting. This makes it easier for beginners to get into the game quickly. The technique is also simpler than in tennis, for example, and can be learned quite quickly.

What is on offer: Where can you play padel tennis? Are there special padel clubs or padel halls?

The sport is growing rapidly in Germany. Many indoor halls and outdoor pitches are being built, particularly in North Rhine-Westphalia. But the range of facilities is also growing in other regions. It's great to see that the sport is establishing itself and creating such a hype. I'm very excited to see how it develops in the next few years.

Are there differences between padel tennis on outdoor courts and indoor courts?

Yes, definitely. On the one hand, the weather conditions play a role, such as light and wind. In addition, the lob - a central, high shot in padel - is tied to the possible playing height. In indoor halls you are limited by the ceiling height, while outside you are free from this limitation. This makes outdoor courts particularly advantageous, as very high lobs, so-called skylobs, can also be played there.

Padel is often described as a social sport. Why is that?

The people are incredibly nice and fair and that is what makes the sport so special. After the game, people often sit together and enjoy a cold drink. I think that helps the community grow and everyone gets into padel fever. It is also easy for beginners to find connections. There are many WhatsApp groups to find playing partners or to find out about upcoming events.

How widespread is the trend sport padel in Germany?

In Spain it is already the number one popular sport, right behind football. In Germany we are still lagging behind a bit, but a lot is happening: the sport is developing rapidly. Many courts are currently being built, especially in the NRW area, and the community is growing continuously. Many tennis clubs now offer padel, but there are also more and more independent operators. In the Bundesliga I play for Padelworld in Bochum. There are currently 4 outdoor courts there and more are being planned, including roofed ones. The courts can be booked online for a fee.

What was your last success on the padel court?

This year I was able to compete for the first time as part of the German national team at the European Championships in Sardinia. We reached the quarter-finals and secured 7th place - a great success, as we qualified for the next European Championship. In 37-degree heat, it was a real change for us. During the breaks, we had the liquid gel from Dextro Energy*, which gave me a boost again. Here in Germany, I also like to snack on the Energy Gums* during the game. Blackcurrant is my absolute favorite variety.

Congratulations on qualifying for the European Championship! We wish you the best of luck in all your future games and thank you very much for the exciting interview.

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* contains carbohydrates

A varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are important.