Padel news: R3 Sport signs British No.3 Tia Norton, strengthening commitment to women’s padel

R3 Sport has signed British No.3 Tia Norton, marking the next step in the professional career of one of the UK’s leading female padel players and reinforcing R3’s commitment to supporting women’s padel at the highest level.

Norton, who has been competing professionally since 2021, joins R3 as she continues her push on the international circuit, with the long-term ambition of breaking into the world’s top 100.

The partnership will see R3 provide enhanced support across Norton’s professional journey, including athlete management, tournament and travel support, commercial guidance, and increased media and content opportunities.

The agreement is designed to help Norton compete consistently at international level while accelerating her progression within the professional game.

A new challenge

Tia Norton said: “I’m incredibly excited to be joining R3 Sport at this stage of my career.

“What stood out to me is the way they are genuinely investing in players and in the future of padel in the UK.

“This feels like a long-term partnership built around development and progression.

“My goal is to keep improving internationally and push towards the top 100, and having this level of backing makes that ambition feel more achievable.”

R3’s roster includes men’s British No.1 Christian Medina Murphy and women’s British No.2 Catherine Rose, with the group collectively targeting regular international competition and progression at the highest level of the sport.

With Premier Padel set to stage its first-ever UK event in London later this year, R3’s athletes are part of a new generation of British players aiming to compete on the biggest padel stage the country has seen.

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Developing women’s padel

Sam Kemp, managing director of operations at R3 Sport, said: “Tia has already established herself as a professional athlete and as one of the top players in Britain.

“What excites us is her mindset and determination to keep progressing.

“Supporting female athletes and raising professional standards in women’s padel is central to what we are building at R3.

“With the right structure, competitive opportunities, and long-term support, we believe Tia can continue to make significant strides internationally.”

Norton will make her first appearance as an R3 athlete at the FIP Bronze event in Madeira, partnering Spain’s Carmen Azcoitia Mazo as she continues her 2026 international campaign.

R3 Sport operates as part of the wider VVV Sports group, which focuses on providing the infrastructure emerging sports need to transition from rapid growth to sustainable professional success.

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