Tim Henman shares his honest opinion on padel being introduced at Wimbledon
Tim Henman wants to see padel at Wimbledon
While other tennis stars are sceptical of padel, Henman has revealed he is a big fan of the growing sport.
The British star has even lobbied for courts to be introduced at Wimbledon, where he is currently a member of the board.
Speaking to The Independent, he said: “In my opinion, for the community, across the road with that space, there definitely could be an opportunity. Why not? I think padel’s a great game.
“I love it, it’s expanding fast and it’s a game that can be played by everyone, I think it’s a lot easier than tennis. Only time will tell.”
Henman cannot see it being introduced on the traditional hallowed ground of Wimbledon, where Centre Court is, but he does think it could be implemented.
“The main site is a bit restricted but, when you talk about the area of land that you’ve got across the road and trying to do things for the community, if that’s what they want then why wouldn’t you?
“I think the LTA are wise to take it under their umbrella because, if every tennis club is turning every tennis court into padel courts, then you’ve got a problem.
“But I see it as another string to the bow of tennis clubs that more people get in there, more people are playing sport, more people are being active, more people are utilising those facilities, having a drink at the bar and having fun at a club. I think it’s a good thing and I’m a fan.”
Novak Djokovic’s worrying prediction about the rise of padel
While Henman wants tennis and padel to work side by side, 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic is less thrilled about the popularity of tennis.
He believes the rise of padel could kill off tennis, especially at amateur and club level, where courts are being replaced.
On a club level, tennis is endangered,” said Djokovic. “If we don’t do something about it… globally or collectively, padel, pickleball in [the] States, they’re going to convert all the tennis clubs into padel and pickleball because it’s just more economical.
“You have one tennis court. You can build three padel courts on one tennis court. You do the simple math. It’s just much more financially viable for an owner of a club to have those courts.”
In the UK, there has been a 600% rise in padel clubs, with around 90,000 people playing the sport in the country.