World no.1 Arturo Coello was in the UK last week ahead of this summer’s London Premier Padel P1, the first elite pro padel event on British shores.
Taking place from 4–9 August, London Premier Padel P1 will bring the world’s best players to the capital for six days of elite competition and entertainment at the iconic London Olympia. More than 11,000 tickets have already been sold.
The Padel Paper grabbed a quick word with the legendary Spaniard, who’s set to dazzle British fans with Argentinian partner Agustin Tapia at Olympia.
What can British padel fans expect from hosting a P1 for the first time?
“Honestly, they can expect an amazing atmosphere and the chance to see the best players in the world live. TV is great, but when you watch padel courtside, the speed and intensity are completely different.”
What will surprise us about the level of padel we’ll see for the first time?
“I think people will be surprised by how fast the game is and how athletic the players are. The reaction speed, movement and defense are probably the biggest shock when you see it live.”
What impact do you think hosting a P1 will have on British grassroots padel?
“I think it can have a huge impact. Events like this inspire kids and new players to start playing. When people see the sport at the highest level, it creates motivation and helps the game grow much faster.”
What features do you notice about the GB padel scene and how much potential do we have?
“I see a lot of energy and passion around padel in the UK. The sport is growing very quickly, clubs are improving, and people really want to learn. I think the potential is massive.”
Do you share others’ concerns that padel in GB and other countries is becoming too expensive, unlike Spain where it’s cheap and accessible?
“I understand the concern, because padel should stay accessible for everyone. But I also think as the sport grows, more clubs and courts will appear, and that will help make it more affordable over time.”
Read more: What to expect when Premier Padel arrives at London Olympia
