Dubai: World No. 1 padel player Arturo Coello believes the UAE has the potential to become a major centre for the sport in the Middle East, pointing to the investment and atmosphere being created in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Speaking exclusively to Gulf News during the premiere of an episode of 'Dreams' by Eight Sleep, in which he discussed his career, the Spanish star praised the country’s growing padel scene and predicted that the sport would become more accessible to the wider public as it continues to develop.
“Not just in Dubai, but in the UAE, in the whole country. I think this country is growing a lot. They do a lot of things for a great atmosphere and are creating a centre of padel in the Middle East,” Coello said.
“Dubai and Abu Dhabi have done an incredible thing.”
Coello was expected to compete at the Premier Padel Dubai P1 but was ruled out of the tournament for medical reasons, denying local fans the opportunity to watch the world’s top-ranked player in action.
The 24-year-old has been one of the leading figures in padel’s rapid rise and has formed a successful partnership with Agustin Tapia, with the pair playing together since 2023.
For Coello, their connection goes well beyond what happens on court.
