• The Importance of Communication: Marta Ortega's Winning Strategy (JOPS02E18)
    Oct 23 2024
    In this episode, I sat down with Marta Ortega to explore her experiences at Roland Garros and the nuances of playing padel in varying conditions. Marta shares her awe at walking the same corridors as tennis legends and discusses the mental preparation required for unpredictable weather shifts. She emphasizes the importance of adaptability and maintaining a positive outlook. The conversation also delves into the evolution of the padel industry, highlighting the transition from the World Padel Tour to FIP and the impact of new venues. Marta reflects on the significance of trust in choosing partners and the crucial role of communication both on and off the court. Her insights offer a glimpse into the life of a professional padel player, underscoring the blend of competition and camaraderie that defines her journey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    16 mins
  • Vianney Dubois on Padel: Data, Strategy, and the Future of the Sport (JOPS02E17)
    Oct 9 2024
    In this episode, I welcome Vianney Dubois, a self-proclaimed data nerd with a background in finance, who has turned his passion for sports data into a groundbreaking project in padel. Vianney shares his journey from being an amateur player frustrated by the lack of detailed match feedback to developing Padel Intelligence, a platform that provides in-depth statistics for players and fans alike. Our discussion delves into the challenges of defining forced and unforced errors, the potential of AI and wearables in enhancing data accuracy, and the unique dynamics of padel as a sport with more players than spectators. Vianney also reveals his ambitions for Padel Intelligence, including becoming the official statistics supplier for professional padel and expanding their reach to amateur players. The episode concludes with a sneak peek into the upcoming launch of their new website, promising detailed player stats and head-to-head analyses. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    41 mins
  • Roby Gattiker: Eleven-Time World Champion's Secrets to Success (JOPS02E16)
    Sep 25 2024
    Welcome and Introduction - Host Minter Dial welcomes Roby Gattiker, a legendary figure in the world of padel, known for being the longest-reigning world champion in the sport's history. - Roby shares his journey from Argentina, highlighting his lifelong passion for sports, particularly padel and tennis. Early Beginnings and First World Championship - Roby reflects on his first world championship win in 1992 with partner Alejandro Lasaigues, a year where they remained undefeated. - He discusses the realization of the significance of his achievements and the importance of enjoying each victory. Transition from Tennis to Padel - Roby explains how the transition from tennis to padel allowed him to play with less pressure and more enjoyment. - The conversation touches on the differences between the two sports, with padel offering a more social and fun experience. Partnerships and Success in Padel - The importance of a strong partnership in padel is emphasized, with Roby sharing insights from his successful collaborations with partners like Christian Gutierrez. - He highlights the need for mutual understanding and enjoyment both on and off the court. Communication and Strategy in Padel - Roby discusses the critical role of communication with partners and coaches in achieving success. - He shares his views on maintaining tactics and adapting strategies during matches. Adapting with Age and Experience - As an experienced player, Roby talks about adapting his game as he ages, focusing on positioning and anticipation. - He shares his approach to staying competitive against younger players. Observations on the Evolution of Padel - Roby comments on the evolution of padel, noting the increased power and speed in the men's game. - He contrasts this with the women's game, which he feels remains truer to the sport's origins. Future of Padel and Global Expansion - The discussion covers the potential for padel's growth in countries like the United States and the increasing competitiveness of other nations. - Roby expresses optimism about the sport's global expansion and the emergence of new talent. Involvement in Padel Today - Roby shares his current endeavors, including running padel academies and clubs in Argentina and plans to expand in the United States and Europe. - He emphasizes his commitment to giving back to the sport that has given him so much. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    48 mins
  • The Business of Padel: Insights from Alex Inglot, host of All the Angles padel Podcast (JOPS02E15)
    Sep 11 2024
    Joy of Padel with Alex Inglot In the latest episode of "The Joy of Padel," host Minter Dial sits down with Alex Inglot, a prominent figure in the world of padel and sports business. The conversation delves into Alex's fascinating journey from tennis and volleyball to becoming a key player in the padel community and the business of sports. From Tennis to Volleyball Alex Inglot's sporting journey began with tennis, a sport he picked up in his early teens. Despite his competitive spirit, he found himself outpaced by his younger brother, Dom, who started playing tennis at a much younger age. This sibling rivalry fuelled Alex's passion for sports, but it was volleyball that eventually captured his interest. Encouraged by his Polish maths teacher, Alex transitioned to volleyball, where he trained with top UK teams and played at the highest level until his late twenties. The Shift to Padel After a shoulder injury forced him to retire from professional volleyball, Alex dabbled in various sports but found a new passion in padel, thanks to his brother's influence. He started playing padel in early 2023 and quickly became engrossed in the sport. His background in tennis and volleyball provided a solid foundation, making him a formidable player on the padel court. A Career in Sports Business Alex's professional journey is as impressive as his sporting career. He began as a corporate lawyer with aspirations of moving into sports law and administration. His career took off in 2009 when he entered the sports industry, working in communications and international relations around the Olympic space. He later joined Sportradar, a leading company in sports data, betting, streaming, and integrity. In 2018, Alex became a player representative on the ATP executive board, a role he describes as a "job of a lifetime." Currently, he serves as the commissioner of one of the largest esports leagues, a position that has taken him to Cologne for the IEM Cologne quarterfinals. The Business of Padel The conversation shifts to the business side of padel, where Alex shares his insights on the sport's growth and the challenges it faces. He highlights the enthusiasm and opportunities within the padel community but also warns of the difficulties in distinguishing credible operators from those looking for short-term gains. Alex emphasises the importance of due diligence and the need for a balanced approach to ensure the sport's sustainable growth. The Role of Technology One of the key points Alex discusses is the role of technology in padel. He notes that the sport has embraced technology, particularly in matchmaking and user experience, making it easier for players to find partners and enjoy the game. This tech-savvy approach has been instrumental in padel's rapid growth and popularity. The Social Aspect of Padel Alex also touches on the social nature of padel, which he believes is one of its strongest selling points. The sport's inherent sociability, combined with its accessibility, makes it appealing to a wide range of players. This social aspect is deeply embedded in the sport's DNA, particularly in countries like Spain and Argentina, where padel has a rich history. All the Angles Podcast Towards the end of the episode, Alex talks about his podcast, "All the Angles," which focuses on the business of padel. Sponsored by Hexagon Cup, the podcast aims to bridge the gap between the legacy padel markets in Spain and Argentina and the emerging markets in Scandinavia, the Middle East, the UK, and the US. Alex's goal is to provide valuable insights and perspectives from industry leaders, helping listeners navigate the evolving landscape of padel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    36 mins
  • Rafa Vega on Coaching, Competing, and the Fun of Padel (JOPS02E14)
    Aug 28 2024
    JOY OF PADEL WITH RAFA VEGA - Overview of Rafa's achievements, including his ranking as number two in Britain under the LTA rating system and his success in various tournaments. Rafa Vega's Background and Career - Rafa discusses his current roles at Harvard Club Chelsea and involvement in padel events. - His journey from being a competitive tennis player to transitioning into padel at age 15. Transition from Tennis to Padel - Rafa shares his experience of playing tennis from a young age and how he started playing padel for fun. - The significant shift in focus to padel after moving to London in 2018. Challenges of Balancing Coaching and Playing - The difficulty of maintaining a high level of play while coaching beginners. - The importance of playing with skilled partners to stay sharp. Differences Between Tennis and Padel - Rafa explains the technical differences between tennis and padel, particularly the swing and playing style. - The challenges and benefits of transitioning skills from tennis to padel. Social and Fun Aspects of Padel - Padel's appeal in corporate events and team-building activities. - The social and enjoyable nature of padel compared to the more competitive and solitary nature of tennis. Playing Style and Strategy - Discussion on the importance of adapting playing styles and strategies in padel. - Rafa's preference for playing at the net and his approach to different game situations. Coaching Insights and Advice - Tips for tennis players transitioning to padel, including the importance of patience and using the glass walls effectively. - The significance of communication and having a good relationship with your playing partner. Involvement in Hexagon Cup - Rafa's positive experience working at the Hexagon Cup and the unique team-based format of the event. - The social aspect of the event, including interactions with celebrities and fans. Future of Padel in the UK - The challenges of developing top-level padel players in the UK due to factors like Brexit and the need for more qualified coaches. - The importance of investing in junior players to grow the sport. Personal Reflections and Anecdotes - Rafa shares personal stories and funny moments from his padel career. - The importance of enjoying the game and the camaraderie it brings. Conclusion - Minter Dial expresses his appreciation for Rafa's insights and looks forward to future interactions and matches. - Rafa's final thoughts on the joy of playing padel and the importance of having fun both on and off the court. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    45 mins
  • Padel’s Popularity Surge: Pablo Carro Discusses the Trends and Challenges (JOPS02E13)
    Aug 14 2024
    Welcome and Introduction - Minter Dial welcomes Pablo Carro, co-founder of Playtomic. - Discussion about Playtomic's impact and Pablo's personal background. Personal Background and Passion for Padel - Pablo Carro shares his journey from tennis to padel. - Reflects on his early experiences with padel in 1995 and his transition to making it his profession. Challenges and Evolution of Tennis and Padel - Discussion on the transformation needed in the tennis industry. - Pablo highlights the need for tennis to adapt to new generations and become more digitized. Playtomic's Origin and Mission - Playtomic was launched in 2017 to digitize the racket sports industry. - The app aims to facilitate the social joy of racket sports, making it easier for players to book courts and find matches. User Experience and Growth - Playtomic's success in over 50 countries with more than 5000 clubs and a million active players per month. - The importance of focusing on what the company does well and not overextending into other sports. Leveling System and Player Matching - Challenges of creating an accurate leveling system for players. - The algorithm's role in ensuring fair and enjoyable matches. Global Padel Report with PwC - Collaboration with PwC to produce a comprehensive report on the state of padel. - Insights into club management, player behavior, and the industry's growth. Surprises and Market Trends - Unexpected growth in the UK and slower than anticipated growth in Germany. - The potential for significant expansion in the US market. Cultural Aspects of Padel - The universal appeal of padel's social and fun aspects. - The importance of communication on the court and how it varies by region. Future of Padel and Playtomic - Playtomic's focus on racket sports and the potential for future growth. - The ongoing mission to enhance the social joy of racket sports globally. Closing Remarks - Pablo Carro shares how to find Playtomic and download the global padel report. - Encourages listeners to connect with him on LinkedIn for further engagement. Contact Information - Download Playtomic from the Apple Store or Google Play. - Find the global padel report via Google or the provided show link. - Connect with Pablo Carro on LinkedIn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    43 mins
  • Inside PadelX: Nallé Grinda's Vision for the Future of Padel (JOPS02E12)
    Jul 17 2024
    JOY OF PADEL WITH NALLÉ GRINDA Welcome and Introduction - Minter Dial welcomes back Nallé Grinda, the only guest to appear twice on the show. - Discussion about their shared passion for padel and Nallé’s current activities in Miami. Current Activities and Upcoming Events - Nallé shares his plans to travel to Europe for vacation and padel-related events. - Highlights a charitable event in Saint Tropez featuring top padel players. Insights from the Playtomic 2024 Report - Minter and Nallé discuss the Playtomic 2024 report on padel. - Surprising statistics: 500 padel courts in the U.S. and high Google search interest. - Nallé notes the longer time to market in the U.S. compared to Europe. Growth of Padel in France and the U.S. - France emerging as a strong market for padel despite initial regulatory challenges. - Nallé’s experiences with building padel clubs in Miami and Boca Raton. - Challenges with permits and environmental studies in the U.S. PadelX Launch and Expansion - PadelX opened on April 1, 2024, with immediate success. - Plans for expansion with new clubs in Boca Raton and Palm Beach. - Emphasis on creating a connected and comfortable club environment. Creating a Community and Club Culture - Importance of location, quality installations, and thoughtful design. - Role of events and memberships in fostering a sense of belonging. - PadelX’s unique recycling program for plastic emissions. Padel as a Lifestyle and Future Plans - Padel’s growing influence on travel and vacation plans. - Nallé’s vision for padel holidays and partnerships with hotels. - Comparison to the rise of golf as a travel activity in the past. Professional Padel Landscape - Discussion on the evolving professional padel scene with multiple tours. - Potential for consolidation and growth in the sport. - Insights on the upcoming World Championships in Doha. Final Thoughts and Contact Information - Nallé shares ways to connect with PadelX through Instagram, their website, or visiting the club in Miami. - Encouragement for listeners to experience the community and camaraderie at PadelX. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    41 mins
  • Las Vegas Padel: Scott Reddick's Adventure in Building a Premier Club (JOPS02E11)
    Jul 3 2024
    Joy of Padel with Scott Reddick In this episode of the Joy of Padel podcast, I sit down with Scott Reddick, a passionate entrepreneur and padel enthusiast, at the P1 Padel Club in Las Vegas. Scott shares his journey from a competitive tennis background to discovering and falling in love with padel. He discusses the challenges and rewards of managing the P1 Padel Club, emphasizing the importance of creating an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere for all players. Scott also touches on the club's efforts to grow the sport in the U.S., including hosting major tournaments and engaging with the local community. This episode offers insights into the burgeoning padel scene and the dedication required to foster its growth. If you've got comments or questions you'd like to see answered, send your email or, better yet, an audio file to nminterdial@gmail.com. You can always comment on the post with the full show notes (and transcript) on minterdial.com. And if you liked the podcast, please take a moment to go over to Apple Podcast, Spotify, or your favourite podcast channel, to rate/review the show. Otherwise, you can follow the Joy of Padel on social: @joyofpadel on X/Twitter and Instagram. There's also a YouTube page. TIMESTAMPS 00:00:00 - Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:02:54 - Scott Reddick's Background and Passion for Adventure 00:04:54 - Discovering Padel and Initial Experience 00:06:54 - The Addictive Nature of Padel 00:08:54 - Transitioning from Tennis to Padel 00:10:54 - Learning and Improving in Padel 00:12:54 - Starting P1 Padel Club in Las Vegas 00:14:54 - Challenges and Strategies for Club Management 00:16:54 - Marketing and Attracting New Customers 00:18:54 - Lessons Learned in the First Year 00:20:54 - Creating a Welcoming Club Culture 00:22:54 - Membership Models and Customer Engagement 00:24:54 - Adapting to Las Vegas Weather 00:26:54 - Hosting USPA Major Tournament 00:28:54 - Watching Professional Padel 00:30:54 - Padel vs. Pickleball 00:32:54 - Future Plans for P1 Padel Club Expansion 00:34:54 - Scott Reddick's Padel Game and Joyful Moments Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    38 mins