The Australian Padel Open returns to Game4Padel in Docklands

Game4Padel on Lorimer St in Docklands has hosted the FIP Silver Australian Padel Open – a major sporting event for padel players.

From January 14 to 18, high-profile competitors played a series of matches, showcasing their high-performance talent at the Docklands venue.

Padel is a sport similar to tennis and squash. It’s played in doubles on a smaller court and requires players to move quickly and think strategically. The surrounding walls around the court can be used for the ball to bounce off, giving players the opportunity to outsmart their opponent. To win a set, a team must win six games and lead by two.

The sport is growing rapidly worldwide, and is the fastest growing racquet-sport internationally.

In Melbourne, the game of padel is growing in popularity. Game4Padel was the first padel facility in Melbourne and Victoria, making the venue a focal point in the sport’s growth, increased activation, visitation and engagement in the Docklands area.

Across the five days, men’s and women’s doubles matches kicked off on the court with prize money to be won and FIP ranking points to be earned.

The Docklands venue had the honour of hosting players from around the world. From France to Japan, England and Italy, the tournament saw elite talent from every corner of the globe.

The quarter finals and semi-finals were held on January 17, before the long-awaited final on January 18. For the male category, two Spanish teams won the semi-final, leading them to one last battle in the final. In the end, Miguel Morales Domenech and Jordi Casanova Bataller took home the win in two straight sets.

Continued celebrations were in order for Spain after Carla Fernandez Gonzalez and Nerea Guerra Santana won the female category final in straight sets against Victoria Kurz of Germany and Eugenia Guimet Bigas from Spain.

The tournament presented an opportunity for Game4Padel to contribute to the Docklands precinct in a positive and community-focused way. The venue hosted the Australian Padel Open for the second year in a row, continuing to position Docklands as a growing area that can balance both work and social life.

During the tournament, there was consistent day-to-night activity, with a strong repeat visitation, including 50 per cent of play happening between the hours of 4pm to 11. 30pm.

With more than 75,000 people visiting Game4Panel each year, the venue has helped to associate Docklands with fitness and health, rather than a work and business precinct.

By bringing Docklands to life after regular office hours, the area becomes transformed into a lively social space that embeds health, sports and wellbeing uses for all ages and genders.

Padel is a fun and energetic sport that can be played right in the centre of Docklands. To book a court to play on, visit the Game4Panel website. •