Padel vs Tennis: Key Differences Explained | TennisShop.ae
13th Nov 2025

Padel vs Tennis: Key Differences Explained | TennisShop.ae

The Difference Between Padel and Tennis

In the period of the past few years, padel has become a popular racquet sport across the world. In this case, the UAE is no exception. As new padel courts keep coming up across Dubai and other regions, a number of fitness enthusiasts are trying their hands at this adventurous mix of squash and tennis. As the popularity increases, the debate continues “padel vs. tennis” -which is better or more fun?

If you love racket sports, you might enter into a conversation discussing ‘tennis vs. padel.’ The ultimate difference between padel and tennis are with respect to the equipment used, the technique, the scoring system, and the court design. If you are confused about which to choose: padel racket vs. tennis racket for your game, we can help you out!

CTA: Shop Tennis Equipment

CTA: Shop Padel Equipment

Understanding the Origins of Padel and Tennis

When you have to compare padel vs. tennis, you need to look into their diverse histories that have made them popular across the globe. Tennis has its unique aristocratic origins. Its origins date back to the 19th century in England. Originally, this world-famous racquet sport was played on grass lawns in royal courts or clubs. Eventually, with time, tennis grew in popularity to become a leading global sport. Even now, the famous racquet sport is known for its rich tradition, elegance, and highly competitive events like Wimbledon.

As you compare tennis vs. padel, the latter is a modern racquet sport. This sport came into existence in Mexico in the late 1960s. The sport was created by Enrique Corcuera. It gained immense popularity in Latin America and Spain for its rapid, social format. Nowadays, the sport is played popularly across the UAE.

As far as the difference between padel and tennis is concerned, it is more about just padel racket vs. tennis racket or padel court vs. tennis court. It is also related to sports legacy and discipline. You could be attracted to the elegant history of tennis or the modern charm of padel. You can enjoy both games with premium sports gear from The TennisShop.ae. 

Padel vs. Tennis: What is the Difference?

As leading racquet sports like padel become popular in the UAE, most sports enthusiasts would want to know the difference between padel and tennis. It could be related to padel court vs. tennis court or padel scoring vs. tennis scoring.

1. Padel Racket vs. Tennis Racket

Usually, padel rackets are compact, solid, and perforated. They are made out of composite materials like fiberglass or carbon fiber. They feature a short handle and a foam core to enhance maneuverability and control.

On the other hand, a tennis racket has a large oval head with strings. This strong racket provides better spin potential and more power. These rackets are usually made out of titanium or graphite. Therefore, they are heavier and designed for a more powerful game.

CTA: Buy Padel Rackets

CTA: Buy Tennis Rackets

2. Padel Ball vs. Tennis Ball

Typically, padel balls are smaller and less pressurized when compared with tennis balls. When you compare padel balls vs. tennis balls, the former produces a lower bounce. Therefore, you can expect faster and tactical rallies. This is true when walls are involved.

Tennis balls are high-pressure balls that deliver more speed and bounce. These balls are designed for long-distance shots and a larger court.

CTA: Shop Padel Balls

CTA: Shop Tennis Balls

3. Padel Court vs. Tennis Court

When you compare the padel court vs. tennis court, the former is an enclosed, smaller court. Dimensions are 20m X 10m surrounded by glass walls. These are used strategically during the play. The net tends to be slightly lower. Usually, doubles is the standard format of the game.

On the other hand, a tennis court is comparatively larger (usually 23.77m × 8.23m for single tournaments). Tennis courts tend to be open without any walls. They are suitable for both single and double matches that enhance footwork and range.

4. Padel Rules vs. Tennis Rules

In a typical padel rulebook, serves tend to be underhand. In a typical game, walls can be used post-bounce. This helps in adding a new tactical layer to the game. There are no single matches. All padel games tend to be doubles.

In a typical tennis game, serves tend to be overhand. To top it all, balls are expected to be within boundaries. There are no wall interactions involved. Tennis games follow both the singles and doubles formats.

5. Padel Scoring vs. Tennis Scoring

Usually, padel follows the same scoring pattern as that of tennis. It also has the love, 15, 30, 40, 50, and game scoring format. However, the only difference between padel scoring vs. tennis scoring is that the former has the best of three matches with shorter points and faster rallies.

Tennis scoring also follows a similar structure to that of a padel game. However, tennis points tend to be longer and more diverse due to different play styles and court sizes. 

Similarities Between Padel and Tennis

  • Doubles format: These games are usually played in the doubles format. Therefore, both games encourage quick reflexes and teamwork.
  • Serve & Volley Actions: In both sports, players make use of underhand and overhand serves (padel uses only underhand). 
  • Scoring System: The padel scoring vs. tennis scoring format is almost the same, including love, 15, 30, 40, and game. 
  • Skill & Power: You could be playing with a padel racket vs. a tennis racket. Both sports emphasize the importance of control, smart play, and precision.

 CTA:  Ready to Get Started? Shop Padel & Tennis Gear 

Which is Easier: Padel or Tennis?

Most beginners ask, “Is pedal easier than tennis?” This is because of the smaller court size, simpler techniques, and a slower ball game. As underhand serves are allowed and there are walls to keep the ball in control, padel has an accessible entry point, especially for beginners. 

On the other hand, tennis requires stronger physical endurance, effective court coverage, and powerful strokes. If you wish to excel in both sports, it will take practice and dedication.

Conclusion

Padel and tennis share a common sporting spirit with their roots in agility, competition, and strategy. Still, the difference between padel and tennis is due to their overall style, gameplay, and equipment. If you are ready to choose your favorite sport, you can buy premium sports gear at The TennisShop.ae!

FAQs

1. Is padel easier than tennis?

Padel is usually regarded as easier than tennis. This is because of a smaller court, simple techniques, and slower balls.

2. What is the main difference between padel and tennis?

The main difference is with respect to the equipment used and the court. Padel is played on an enclosed court with solid rackets. On the other hand, tennis uses flexible rackets on a larger, open court.

3. Can you use tennis balls for padel?

There are differences in the balls used for padel and tennis. They are different with respect to the bounce and pressure.

4. Which sport is more popular in the UAE – padel or tennis?

Padel is becoming quite popular in the UAE and around the globe. It is growing in popularity among young players.

5. Can kids play padel or tennis in the UAE?

A number of sports clubs in the UAE offer junior tournaments or training for both padel and tennis for kids.

From Our Blog

Top 10 Tips for Playing Padel Like a Pro | TennisShop.ae

Top 10 Tips for Playing Padel Like a Pro The padel sport has gained immense popularity across the UA…
View Details

Laver Cup vs Davis Cup – Everything You Need to Know

Laver Cup vs Davis Cup: Everything You Need to Know About These Team Tournaments Introduction to Ten…
View Details

ATP Champions: Top 10 ATP Legends Who Ruled the Tour

Every game has its icons. Even in an intense game like tennis, we come across players who indeed win…
View Details

Top 10 Best Tennis Players of All Time

Top 10 Best Tennis Players of All Time: The Tennis Legacy Over the years, tennis has seen it all, es…
View Details

Top 10 Best Padel Clubs in Dubai to Play

Top 10 Padel Clubs in Dubai You Need to Know About The overall padel scene in Dubai has gained immen…
View Details

Best Padel Shoes 2025 in UAE: Top Picks for Every Player

So here’s the thing. Padel in the UAE? It’s not just a sport anymore. It’s become… everywhere. You s…
View Details

Top 10 Best Tennis Shorts for Men in 2025 | TennisShop.ae

Top 5 Best Tennis Shorts for Men in 2025: Stay Cool and Comfortable As you hit the baseline shot und…
View Details

Tennis Rules Explained: How to Play Tennis Step-by-Step

Tennis is a popular global sport. The leading sport is enjoyed by millions, from Dubai clubs to adve…
View Details

Padel vs Tennis: Key Differences Explained | TennisShop.ae

The Difference Between Padel and Tennis In the period of the past few years, padel has become a popu…
View Details

Fastest Tennis Serve Ever & Tips on How to Serve Like a Pro

The Fastest Tennis Serves: How to Achieve Maximum Speed and Accuracy Serving is mostly referred to a…
View Details

Best Accessories for Tennis Every Player Needs

Tennis is usually considered a lifelong sport. You can play it into old age or even as a young perso…
View Details

The Rise of Famous Tennis Stars: Who to Watch in 2026

The Rise Of Famous Tennis Stars: Who To Watch In 2026 Tennis in 2026 is being decided by depth as mu…
View Details

Tennis for Health: How Tennis Can Improve Your Fitness & Health

Tennis for Health and Happiness – Your Wellness Game Looking for a sport that is fun, physically rew…
View Details

Where to Play: Best Indoor Tennis Courts Dubai

Top Indoor Tennis Courts in Dubai for Your Game If you are a tennis enthusiast in the UAE, then you…
View Details

How ATP & WTA Rankings Work | Tennis Rankings Guide

Inside the ATP & WTA Rankings: How Players Make Their Way Up the Ladder Tennis is the world's most c…
View Details

Wimbledon 2025 Guide: History, Format & Key Matches

Guide to Wimbledon 2025: History, Format, Schedule & Rules Wimbledon is a global celebration of spor…
View Details

Coco Gauff’s Net Worth - blog

Coco Gauff’s Net Worth Coco Gauff was born on 13th March 2004 in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. T…
View Details

Jannik Sinner’s Net Worth in 2025: An Overview - blog

Jannik Sinner’s Net Worth in 2025: An Overview This young tennis superstar, Jannik Sinner was born…
View Details

Jannik Sinner, the second consecutive winner of the Australian Open 2025 tournament in the Men’s singles category - news

Jannik Sinner, the second consecutive winner of the Australian Open 2025 tournament in the Men’s si…
View Details

Daniil Medvedev’s Net Worth: An Overview Of His Financial Success - blog

Daniil Medvedev’s Net Worth: An Overview Of His Financial Success The Russian tennis supers…
View Details

Top Tennis Brands in 2025 - blog

Top Tennis Brands in 2025 The surge in the popularity of the tennis sport is simply unnoticeab…
View Details

Top 5 Best Tennis Academies in Dubai - blog

Top 5 Best Tennis Academies in Dubai Dubai is a place of possibilities. So, if you have an urg…
View Details

10 Ways AI is Being Used in Tennis 2025 - blog

10 Ways AI is Being Used in Tennis 2024 AI has recently swept into the sports world in a si…
View Details

Top 10 Tennis Rackets Used by Famous Players - blog

Top 10 Tennis Rackets Used by Famous Tennis Players Tennis rackets are not only just tennis gears fo…
View Details

Best Tennis Courts in Dubai 2025: Top Courts and Prices

Best Tennis Courts in Dubai 2025: Top Places to Hire and its Prices Dubai has become a top destinat…
View Details

The French Open vs Wimbledon: A Comparison - blog

The French Open vs Wimbledon: A Comparison This year, both the French Open and Wimbledon gr…
View Details

Rafael Nadal’s Net Worth: Financial Overview of the Tennis Legend - blog

Rafael Nadal’s Net Worth in 2025: Financial Overview of the Tennis Legend The tennis superstar, Raf…
View Details

Nitto ATP Finals 2024: Season’s Grand Finale - news

Nitto ATP Finals 2024: Season’s Grand Finale The Nitto ATP Finals 2024 marks the end of the te…
View Details

Iga Swiatek’s Net Worth: A Peek Into the Tennis Star’s Financial Success - blog

Iga Swiatek’s Net Worth in 2025: A Peek Into the Tennis Star’s Financial Success Iga Swiatek, the t…
View Details

History of Wimbledon Tennis Championships - Facts and Figures ( history of tournaments) - blog

History of Wimbledon Tennis Championships - Facts and Figures ( history of tournaments) Do you know…
View Details

Erste Bank Open 2024: A Tennis Extravaganza in Vienna - news

Erste Bank Open 2024: A Tennis Extravaganza in Vienna The Erste Bank Open is one of the t…
View Details

Serena Williams Net Worth: How She Built Her Fortune

Serena Williams Net Worth 2025 Serena Williams is thought to be worth about $350 million as of 2025.…
View Details

Carlos Alcaraz Net Worth - blog

Carlos Alcaraz Net Worth 2025 Carlos Alcaraz is the next tennis superstar climbing the success ladd…
View Details