Padel news: Team USA beat Team GB to win inaugural Anglo-American Padel Cup in London

In a north London padel club, Team USA beat Team GB to lift the first-ever Anglo-American Padel Cup trophy and officially ignite the two nations’ transcontinental rivalry in the sport.

Here, Sports News Blitz writer Vanely Barumire, who was on hand to witness it all, shares an analysis of the action and contemplates what it means going forward.

Visitors win thrilling London spectacle

Bill Ullman, one of three founders of the Anglo-American Padel Cup, explained the competition’s rationale, saying: “It was very obvious to me and Ben [Nichols, co-founder] and Joelle [Quinn, co-founder] that there was a missing gap.

“There is no US vs UK padel competition. So we wanted to fill that gap and here we are.”

And how they filled that gap.

Padel is, after all, not only the fastest-growing sport in the world but also one of the most entertaining to watch.

Boasting incredible forehands, great volleys, and US chants – a unique sound to my northern ears – the Anglo-American Padel Cup was simply a thrill to witness.

With both countries bringing their own unique playing style and tactics, the contest illustrated the growing passion and competitiveness within the lesser-known racket sport.

The first of its kind, the tournament brought together the top British and American padel players for a two-day thriller.

Competing for the title and a year’s worth of bragging rights, the event was packed full of close matches and a tight leaderboard that rattled the nerves of even the most hardcore fans.

A standout player for me was Britain’s number nine Laura Jackson, who delivered a stellar performance in her mixed match with right-hand man George Wilder.

Describing her style of play as “aggressive”, Jackson’s overhead smash proved far too destructive for Team USA as Jackson and Wilder’s win helped push the UK into the lead, even if temporarily.

While the United States eventually took home the trophy, the tournament was a win for both countries, showing that there is a real hunger for the sport outside of purely recreational circles.

READ MORE: Padel news: Pakistan set to host its first international padel tournament in October

What it means for padel

Internationally, padel is dominated by Spain and Argentina, with top duo Agustín Tapia and Arturo Coello being Argentine and Spanish, respectively.

The rest of the world’s top 10 players likewise hail from regions in those two countries, with Spain in particular having made padel part of their cultural identity, resulting in the sport becoming the Iberian nation’s second-most played behind football.

Speaking on the future of British and American padel, Ullman recognises the supremacy of Argentine and Spanish talent in the sport but is nevertheless excited about the future for Team GB and Team USA.

“I think both countries are on these huge growth spurts right now,” he said.

“We’re [Team USA] very much in the toddler years of padel and we’re gonna grow very fast, so is the UK.

“We’re decades away from being mature in the game like Spain and Argentina. It’s coming, everyone can feel it and sense it, but it’s gonna take some time.”

Tournaments like the Anglo-American Padel Cup thus provide the perfect platform for showcasing the growing competitiveness of British and American padel.

It also feeds a local hunger to develop the sport – a process that many, myself included, are excited to witness.

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