Aznar: Structure the French padel calendar

In the third and final part of his conversation with Padel Magazine, Laurent Aznar, president of the federal commission, outlines a clear roadmap for the next stage of French padel. The interview was recorded at the P2000 of WinWin Padel in Cabriès and focuses mainly on the organisation of the national competition calendar. Faced with a rapidly expanding tournament landscape, Aznar calls for stronger coordination between leagues, clubs and federation structures, without slowing the sport’s momentum.

Rising tournament density challenges the leagues

The number of homologated tournaments in France has risen sharply in recent years. Aznar speaks of several tens of thousands of approved events each year. Precisely this dynamism, he says, makes better governance necessary. In his view, the regional leagues will play a central role. They should align their calendars more carefully so that major events do not take place at the same time in the same area and cannibalise one another’s entries.

The message to clubs is just as important: the aim is not to stop tournaments. On the contrary, clubs should still be able to offer competitions. The goal is simply to avoid offers undercutting each other. Some leagues have already introduced first rules, such as limits on P500 events on certain weekdays or a more deliberate distribution of dates. Aznar welcomes this flexibility because sporting and organisational realities are not the same across France.

An unlimited number of tournaments is not a blank cheque

Particular debate surrounds the rule that allows some clubs to host a very high number of tournaments. Aznar considers the word “unlimited” misleading. It does not mean a club can schedule as many competitions as it wants without control. Homologations still go through leagues or committees. Their role is to check calendar coherence and protect a balance between supply and demand.

Asked whether a league may limit the number of tournaments per club, Aznar answers clearly with yes. The issue can be studied, and such reflections already exist. In the end, leagues must find solutions suited to their own territory. Behind the approach lies a concrete problem: some clubs no longer fill their draws. Parallel similar events in the same region weaken participation, competitive level and attractiveness for players and organisers. It is therefore better to host slightly fewer tournaments that are properly filled.

Private clubs as indispensable partners

Another key topic is dialogue with private facilities. According to Aznar, the new national association of private clubs has already met the federation twice; a third meeting is planned during the Alpine Paris Major. The private clubs presented about a dozen proposals. Some are complex to implement, others clearly deserve careful review. Aznar stresses that French padel cannot develop without partnership between the federation and private operators. Talks have been constructive and are set to continue in the coming months.

The decisive principle is a win-win logic rather than opposition between stakeholders. The federation needs private clubs, and private clubs need the federation. Only through ongoing exchange can workable solutions emerge for all sides.

Roland-Garros as an international flagship

Shortly before the Alpine Paris Major, Aznar sounds confident: bookings are close to previous editions, and the final weekend is already well filled. Roland-Garros has become a landmark on the world calendar. The atmosphere is unique, and many top players particularly enjoy competing there. For numerous Spanish athletes, an appearance at the venue even carries special emotional value. France is fortunate to host a Major.

At the same time, Aznar highlights the breadth of the French offer. Alongside the Premier Padel Major in Paris there is now a P2 in Bordeaux, two FIP Platinum events and, from next year, sixteen FIP tournaments on French soil. Four new P3000s also join the list. Few countries can present such a dense elite calendar. This portfolio is the result of years of collective work.

Roland-Garros is also more than pure elite sport. Fans come for world-class matches, but they also experience DJ sets, entertainment, the village and other formats around the court. Year after year the fan experience is refined further – including at the upcoming edition.

Cabriès remains a symbol of outdoor padel

To close, Aznar looks back at the special setting in Cabriès. With the end of the current P2000 format, this tournament will be remembered as the last staged in a fully outdoor environment. Outdoor padel offers different sensations, a distinctive atmosphere and often spectacular surroundings. At the same time, an event of this level outdoors demands strong infrastructure. For now only Cabriès met every requirement. If other venues present projects of comparable quality in future, they will naturally have their place.

Structured growth instead of uncontrolled expansion

The interview’s red thread remains Aznar’s core message: French padel is living through an exceptional growth phase with major opportunities, but also with responsibility. The future depends on more solid organisation, better adapted rules, permanent dialogue with clubs and a coherent competition offer. The priority is clearly stated: accompany that growth, structure it and shape it so that every stakeholder in the sport benefits.