The Joy of Padel

In this episode of Joy of Padel, Minter Dial welcomes Hungarian #1 and current world number 136 padel professional Dóra Andrejszki, who shares her unique journey from collegiate tennis in the United States to training and competing on the international padel circuit. With candour and thoughtfulness, Dóra Andrejszki recounts the challenges and revelations she faced in transitioning to padel—initial reluctance, adapting her tennis skills, and the pivotal role of community and mindset in her sporting evolution. The discussion unpacks the subtleties of playing padel both outdoors and indoors, delving into the psychology of embracing challenging conditions, and reflecting on the endless journey of improvement that padel affords beyond the physical limits often set in tennis. Dóra Andrejszki offers practical lessons for tennis players seeking to make the switch, underlining the importance of dedicated academy time, adapting technique, and striking a balance between learning from others and maintaining one’s strengths. Together, they explore the art of choosing partners—what it means to truly collaborate, the differences between tennis and padel partnerships, and how off-court rapport influences competitive performance. Dóra Andrejszki shares her insights into the communication dynamics essential at the professional level and the camaraderie that distinguishes the padel community. Whether you’re a seasoned racquets enthusiast pondering a switch to padel, or curious about the nuances that separate it from tennis, this exchange is filled with relatable anecdotes and actionable wisdom. Tune in as Minter Dial and Dóra Andrejszki illuminate the joyful, social, and ever-evolving world of padel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This 19th episode of season 3 of the Joy of Padel podcast episode features Andi Neugarten, founder of Six Love Sports, the largest women's padel community in the USA. Andi discusses her journey into padel, the sport's growth in America, and her mission to empower women through padel. She shares insights on the social aspects of padel, the differences between US and European padel cultures, and her business model for building a thriving women's padel community. The conversation also touches on the importance of communication in padel and Andi's plans for international expansion. Key points: 1. Padel's unique ability to foster communication and trust between players, especially among women. 2. The growth of padel in the US and the development of a distinct American padel culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

THIS INTERVIEW WAS CONDUCTED IN SPANISH 🇪🇸. IT'S AVAILABLE ON YOUTUBE WITH SUBTITLES IN ENGLISH 🇬🇧!! Juanjo Gutiérrez, former professional padel player and current coach of the Spanish national team, shares insights into his career and the evolution of padel. He discusses the transition from tennis to padel, his experiences as a player and coach, and the dynamics of selecting and managing a national team. Juanjo offers a unique perspective on the emotional and tactical aspects of coaching, particularly during high-stakes moments like the 2024 World Championships in Doha. He also explores the future of padel, emphasizing the sport's increasing physicality and the importance of data analytics in understanding player performance. Throughout the conversation, Juanjo's passion for padel and his deep understanding of the sport's nuances shine through. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This podcast features Gonzalo Lorenzo, a padel coach and YouTube sensation, discussing his journey in the sport and coaching philosophy. Gonzalo shares insights on player improvement, communication strategies, and the culture of padel. He emphasizes the importance of playing percentage shots and reducing unforced errors. The conversation also explores the growing popularity of padel worldwide and the potential impact of AI on the sport's analytics. Gonzalo's YouTube channel, Padel Drive, has gained significant traction, attracting viewers from unexpected places like Indonesia. Key points: 1. Gonzalo stresses the importance of playing safe, challenging shots with at least 80% accuracy. 2. The Joy of Padel is described as organizing games with friends, being competitive, and socializing afterward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elena Martín, partner at PwC and co-author of the 2025 Global Padel Report, joins the Joy of Padel podcast to discuss the sport's explosive growth. She shares insights on padel's global expansion, including the projected 81,000 courts worldwide by 2027 and the USA's potential to become the largest market. Elena delves into the factors driving padel's popularity, such as its accessibility and social nature, and explores emerging markets in Asia and the Middle East. The conversation also touches on the sport's Olympic aspirations and the challenges it faces in achieving that goal. This episode offers padel aficionados a comprehensive look at the sport's current state and future prospects. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Wall Practice to World Stages: Marta Talaván's Padel Rise (JOPS03E11) I'm thrilled to share my latest Joy of Padel podcast episode featuring the incredible Marta Talaván, a top-ranked professional padel player and board member. Marta offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of pro padel, from her journey as a young player to her current role shaping the sport's future. We dive deep into the nuances of playing right side in padel, discussing technique, strategy, and the mental game. Marta shares her approach to softening her shots and improving decision-making on court. For all you right-side players out there, this episode is packed with valuable insights! But that's not all - Marta also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at life as a pro padel player. From nutrition and training routines to pre-match preparations, she paints a vivid picture of what it takes to compete at the highest level. As a board member, Marta offers her perspective on the growth of women's padel and the challenges facing the sport. Her passion for equality and development in padel is truly inspiring. Whether you're a padel enthusiast, aspiring pro, or just curious about the sport, this episode has something for everyone. Don't miss out on this in-depth conversation with one of padel's brightest stars! Tune in now and let the Joy of Padel continue! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Evolving in Padel: Fredrik Ask's Coaching Philosophy (JOPS03E10) I'm excited to bring you the latest episode of Joy of Padel, featuring Fredrik Ask, Norway's top padel player. Fredrik's transition from tennis to padel is a captivating story, and he shares invaluable insights into the sport's intricacies. In this episode, we explore: - The shift from tennis to padel - Strategies for creating space on the court - The significance of reading your opponent's racket - Tips for finding the ideal padel partner Fredrik also recounts a humorous tale about his first experience with professional padel that you won't want to miss! Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the game, this episode is filled with practical advice and entertaining stories. Tune in to discover why padel is more than just a sport – it's a joy! Listen to the full episode now on your favorite podcast platform. Keep enjoying the game! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices