Andy Murray’s Padel Passion: Ex-Wimbledon Champion Talks About ‘Fast-Paced’ Love
Andy Murray, the three-time Grand Slam champion, has always been known for his intense work ethic, mental toughness, and ability to adapt on the court. However, in recent years, the British tennis icon has found a new sporting love: padel. The fast-paced, dynamic racquet sport has captured Murray’s imagination and, as he recently revealed, it’s a passion that has added excitement and challenge to his athletic life in ways tennis could no longer provide.
In an exclusive interview, Murray shared his enthusiasm for padel, describing it as a perfect blend of fun, fitness, and tactical depth. Despite his legendary status in tennis, Murray is quick to point out that padel offers a completely different set of skills and strategies that are both refreshing and invigorating.
A New Challenge
For those unfamiliar, padel is a hybrid sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. Played on a smaller, enclosed court with walls, players use solid rackets and a low-bouncing ball. The aim is similar to tennis—score points by getting the ball past your opponent—but with the added twist of the walls, which players can use to their advantage, creating a fast and unpredictable game.
Murray’s transition from tennis to padel might seem unusual, but he has always been someone who thrives on challenges. “It’s so fast-paced, and the tactical element is a lot of fun. I love how quickly the points develop and how the game evolves with the walls,” Murray explained. “There’s also a social element to padel that I enjoy, and it’s less physically demanding on the body than tennis, which is an added bonus for me at this stage of my career.”
While Murray has never officially retired from tennis, he has had to manage ongoing hip issues, which have led him to find new ways to stay active. Padel offers an alternative that’s less stressful on the joints but still provides a rigorous workout, a crucial factor in his decision to embrace the sport.
From Grass Courts to Padel Courts
Murray, who famously triumphed on the lush lawns of Wimbledon, says his tennis background has helped him adjust to padel more quickly than he expected. “The racket skills you develop in tennis are very transferable, and the movement is somewhat similar, although the walls bring a new dimension,” he said. “The key is understanding the angles and learning to read the ball off the walls, which can take some time.”
While he’s still honing his padel skills, Murray has already become an avid player and supporter of the sport. In fact, he has partnered with several professional padel players, attending matches and participating in exhibition games. His love for the sport has sparked growing interest in padel within the tennis community and beyond.
Why Padel?
What makes padel particularly appealing to Murray is not only the change of pace but also the communal aspect of the sport. “It’s a lot of fun to play with friends or in doubles. There’s a real social vibe to it, and that’s something I’ve missed at times in my tennis career. Padel is very accessible for all ages and skill levels, and it’s easy to get hooked.”
He also points out that padel’s global popularity is on the rise, particularly in Spain, where the sport has a fervent following. As one of the fastest-growing sports in Europe, padel is also beginning to gain traction in the UK, and Murray is eager to contribute to its growth. “I think there’s a real opportunity for padel to flourish in the UK. It’s already gaining traction, and I’m excited to see where it goes in the coming years.”
The Future of Padel
While Murray remains focused on his tennis career, he sees padel as something that could play a big role in his life once he retires from professional tennis. In fact, he has even considered incorporating padel into his post-tennis career. “Who knows? Maybe I’ll get more involved in promoting the sport or even playing at a competitive level. For now, I’m just enjoying it as a way to stay fit and have some fun.”
Though the journey from tennis to padel might seem unconventional, Murray’s latest passion illustrates his adaptability and love for new sporting experiences. Just as he redefined the boundaries of tennis, Andy Murray is now shaping the future of padel in his own way, and fans will no doubt follow his lead as the sport continues to grow in popularity worldwide.
For Andy Murray, the fast-paced thrill of padel is a perfect match—and who knows? He may soon be as celebrated on the padel court as he is on the tennis courts of Wimbledon.
