Mike May is an essential figure in the history of padel. Former president of the United States Padel Association (USPA) from 1998 to 2018, he contributed decisively to the development of this sport in the United States. Discovered in 1993, padel marked a turning point in his career, which led him to participate in all the World Championships between 1994 and 2016. As director of racket sports at the Houstonian Club, where padel made its mark first steps in the United States, Mike continues to promote this sport and share his passion. In this interview, he looks back on his journey, his challenges and his anecdotes.
The beginnings of padel
Mike May : “I discovered padel in 1993 thanks to Ed Thompson and Philippe Arnold, two pioneers who imported this sport from Argentina to the United States. At the time, I was a professional tennis player, but when Philippe showed me a VHS tape of a match between Alejandro Lasagas and Roberto Gattiker, I knew I wanted to try. We held a qualifying tournament in Houston to put together a team to represent the United States in Mexico. I remember our first match against Lasagas and Gattiker: we took only one game. It was a shock to realize how much more this sport required than a simple tennis serve and volley. »
The Houstonian Club: the cradle of padel in the United States
Mike May : “In 1993, we installed the first padel court at the Houstonian Club. This court came from an event in Mexico and was set up on an old tennis court. For months, I offered free initiations in the club lobby. I said to the members: 'Sir, I have availability at 1 p.m. for a free lesson, are you interested?'. Soon the court was so busy that the club decided to build two more. This is how padel began to find a place in the United States. »
A career rich in experiences
Mike May : “I had the honor of participating in 13 World Championships, from 1994 to 2016. Each tournament was a unique experience. At the beginning, we were novices. At the 1994 World Championship in Argentina, we had never played on a real court before arriving there. We lost 6-0, 6-0 against experienced teams, but with each tournament we learned a little more. »
Milestone encounters and incredible anecdotes
Mike remembers unforgettable moments: Placido Domingo: “I played with him in Acapulco in a charity tournament. After the match, he invited us to his house. I was playing on the private court of Placido Domingo, one of the greatest opera singers in the world, and he said to me: 'I can't believe I'm playing with the number one American padel'. I thought, 'Does he know he's Placido Domingo?' » Diego Maradona: “During the 1995 Pan American Games in Mar del Plata, I had the chance to play with Maradona. He even used his feet to play! » Corcuera Cup: “I participated in tournaments organized by the Corcuera family, who invented padel. Their events were incredible, held in palatial mansions overlooking Acapulco Bay. It was a mix of sport, luxury and culture. »
The challenge of introducing padel in the United States
Mike May : “In the United States, the development of padel is slower than in Europe because of distances and regulations. Unlike Sweden or Belgium, where the populations are concentrated, here the players are dispersed throughout the territory. However, Texas is becoming a leader with clubs in Houston, Austin, Dallas and more opening soon. »
An accessible and intergenerational sport
Mike May : “What makes padel special is that it is accessible to everyone. Unlike tennis, it does not require a high technical level. Couples, families and friends can all play together, whatever their level. I see parents playing with their children, couples sharing a sporting activity. It's also a great way to stay active without putting too much strain on your body. »
The future of padel in the United States
Mike May : “My goal is to continue to build the infrastructure of padel and train coaches. I now run iPaddle Houston, a public facility where we host events, classes, and themed parties. I also help entrepreneurs launch their own projects thanks to my years of experience. This sport has enormous potential, but it must be actively promoted. If you build courts and just wait for people to come, it won't work. We need to create a community around padel. »
Lessons for tennis players
Mike May : “A lot of tennis players think they can dominate at padel, but it's not that simple. This sport requires patience and an understanding of the walls. In my first tournament in Acapulco, I was frustrated losing to players with 'ugly' technique. But they understood the game better. I learned to put my ego aside and master the subtleties of padel. »
A final word for fans of padel
Mike May : “If you are already a player, introduce the sport to your friends. If you're a beginner, come and try, you'll quickly be hooked. Padel is the new playground: it allows people to come together, have fun and stay active. And above all, it brings something that few sports offer: a real community. »
This interview illustrates the extent to which Mike May has marked the history of padel. His anecdotes, his commitment and his vision for the future bear witness to his passion and his contribution to the development of this fascinating sport.
Source: Padel Hoy
