Singles Test If Padel Is The Next Dating Hack

Run Clubs Are Out: This Sport Could Be The Key To Courting Your Next Match 

Between meeting on apps and speed dating events, modern romance has become increasingly difficult. And though there may have been a run club boom, many singles may have since seen enough of their local groups.

So we decided to put the latest hot-shot activity to the test: Padel. A sport beloved by working professionals, type-A baddies and anyone with a competitive streak, we thought it would be the perfect place for a meet-cute. 

We sent four Sydney singles to the court: former soccer pro Lachlan, media personality Jermaine, content creator Indira, and Nya, a poet, ready to see who could strike up some romance. 

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Finding connection on the Padel court

All four took the court ready to meet new people and have some fun, but the competition quickly took over. 

Lachlan and Jermaine may have had a slight edge (Lachlan’s a literal pro-athlete), and Indira focused most of her energy on banter. Nya did hit a “Virgin Mary shot” that earned her some serious gloating time.

Both teams left thinking they’d won (we know who did, and I’m sorry, divas, the miracle shot didn’t save you) and having broken down some of the walls typical of a first date. 

Is sport the key to building connection? 

As young people turn away from nights out drinking and dating apps, they’re looking for a new space where they can build relationships, whether that’s with colleagues, friends, or something a little more romantic. 

Sports-based activities, like the 2024 run club trend, allow people to meet and mingle in a way that’s fun and pressure-free, where the focus is on the activity. And when it comes to romance, Nya agrees, finding Padel would be a great first date since “you could really learn a lot about someone.”

So potentially, next time you’re planning the same drinks and dinner you always do, consider mixing it up with a sport that will actually let you learn about the other person. 

And in the words of Indira, “If you want to court me, court me on the court, baby!”