Padel in Serbia: how the new sport reached Novi Sad
A short history of padel – and why more and more people who’ve never held a racket are playing it.
The 10ka team 5 min read 
Ten years ago hardly anyone in Serbia knew what padel was. Today courts are popping up in Belgrade, Novi Sad and other cities, and slots are booked days in advance. How did a sport from a Mexican beach reach the slopes of Fruška Gora?
Acapulco, 1969
Padel was born in 1969 in Acapulco, Mexico. Enrique Corcuera built a court enclosed by walls at his home so the ball would stay in play in a small space. The game – with stringless rackets and balls bouncing off the walls – quickly became a favourite among his friends.
Spain and Argentina
A few years later Alfonso de Hohenlohe brought padel to Marbella in Spain, where he built the first courts in 1974. From there the sport spread across Spain and then to Argentina, where it became hugely popular in the 1980s and 1990s. The International Padel Federation (FIP) was founded in 1991.
Today Spain has more players and courts than any other country, and the world’s best compete on the professional Premier Padel tour.
Why everyone plays it
- It’s quick to learn. The serve is underarm, the court is smaller than a tennis court and the glass keeps the ball in play.
- It’s played in pairs. There are always four of you on court, so padel is social and less demanding than singles tennis.
- Anyone can play. Younger and older players, casual players and former tennis players all play together and have fun on equal terms.
Padel in Novi Sad
The wave reached Serbia in recent years, and Novi Sad quickly got courts of its own. One of them is the 10ka padel club – the Desetka sports centre on Alibegovac, Petrovaradin. Three courts are in an indoor hall with heating and ventilation, so you can play all year round, and the outdoor panorama court looks out over Fruška Gora.
Want to give it a try? See where to play padel in Novi Sad and how to book a court.
FAQ
Who invented padel?
Padel was invented in 1969 in Acapulco, Mexico, by Enrique Corcuera, who built a walled court at his home.
Why is padel so popular?
It’s easy to learn, it’s played in pairs and you play real points from the first session. It’s also a social sport, so people stay on after the match.
Where can I play padel in Novi Sad?
One option is the 10ka padel club on Alibegovac, Petrovaradin, with three indoor courts and one outdoor court.
