Luigi Carraro, president of the International Padel Federation (FIP), discussed the sport's growth in an interview with EFE at the Generali Hexagon Cup. He praised the Caja Mágica as a legendary venue comparable to Roland Garros and Foro Italico. Carraro noted increasing investments from global brands in padel.
The Generali Hexagon Cup, held at the Caja Mágica in Madrid, served as the backdrop for an in-depth interview with FIP President Luigi Carraro, conducted by the Spanish news agency EFE. Released on February 4, 2026, the interview—available exclusively to subscribers—explores the rising prominence of padel on the global stage.
Carraro emphasized the significance of hosting padel events at iconic venues like the Caja Mágica, drawing parallels to tennis landmarks such as Roland Garros in Paris and Foro Italico in Rome. 'Padel at the Caja Mágica, a legendary venue like Roland Garros and Foro Italico,' he stated, underscoring the venue's prestige.
The FIP leader also addressed the sport's commercial appeal, pointing to substantial investments from global brands. These developments, he suggested, are poised to elevate padel's excitement further through innovations like the Star Point system. The interview highlights padel's evolution from a niche activity to an internationally recognized sport, with major tournaments attracting widespread attention and sponsorship.
While specific details on the Hexagon Cup's outcomes were not covered in the interview excerpt, Carraro's comments reflect optimism about padel's future trajectory amid growing institutional support.