SPECTACULAR!! This is the word that comes to mind when starting this blog dedicated to the Spanish Open Pickleball that was held in Madrid from June 27 to 30, 2024, organized by the Royal Spanish Tennis Federation (RFET).

The level of play was spectacular, with players from Spain and other countries, the facilities were spectacular, the organization was spectacular (thanks Agostina!! @agostinanepote), the sportsmanship and the atmosphere were spectacular and, finally, the future that this sport has is spectacular even in the countries where our also beloved padel has an implementation as powerful as the one it has in Spain and other European countries. Pickleball and padel are different sports but not enemies, there are more and more players and instructors who practice and enjoy both.

We have witnessed incredible duels, spectacular points, matches of a fantastic level... as we expected, the players from Team Zcebra , Team Winner, Team Bepickle and Team PKD have especially shone, as well as the very complete Drop Shot stand. These manufacturers are authentic references and true examples to follow if you want to do things well when it comes to publicizing and strengthening the growth of this sport.

We want to make special mention of some players with whom we have really enjoyed watching them compete and chatting for a while with some of them because of their friendliness and simplicity: Marcello Jardim (@marcello_jardim - pala Zcebra Totem Black 2024), Sabrina Méndez (@pickleballsabri -  pala Zcebra Totem), Dani Vega (@dani.pb_8 – pala Winner Arrow), Alvarito (@alvarito_pb – pala Winner Grizzly) y Héctor San Martín (@pulchrapickleball - pala Zcebra Queen Negra Naranja 2024). 

This is not a blog to report on the winners, how the table evolved, the finalists... For that, there will, surely, be many other sites on the Internet for information. We just want to thank all those who, with their effort, their enthusiasm and their personal sacrifice, have managed to make this event a true success in participation, public attendance and visibility for this sport that we have fallen in love with.

Finally, we would like to mention how much we liked that, when talking about how many players, who have reached very high levels in the competition, have mentioned to us how much they were hooked on pickleball from the first moment and how quickly they have managed to reach the level. that they already have. This is an easy sport to learn, easy to quickly improve the level and that is enjoyed from the first moment.

At Padel Island we have a large assortment of paddles and accessories for practicing this sport, go ahead and try it and tell us what you think. We look forward to your comments. We also look forward to your comments if you have been to the Spanish Open Pickleball 2024 and want to add something. Thank you!!

Author: Nuria Chávarri (padel and pickleball player)