Le  paddle  is historically a doubles sport. Yet, one question comes up regularly on Google:  Can you play padel singles in official competitions?  The answer needs to be precise, as it depends on the regulatory framework and the type of test.

Padel is a sport designed for doubles

Originally, padel was designed to be played  four players  on a 20 x 10 meter field. The international rules are governed by the International Padel Federation (FIP) and applied to the circuit Premier Padel exclusively plan doubles competitions.

On the official international level:

  • Il  there is no simple table  on FIP tournaments.
  • The professional circuit Premier Padel does not propose  no one-on-one matches .
  • The World and European Championships are contested only in doubles.

Conclusion:  At the international level, singles padel is not allowed in official competition. 

Are there any singles competitions at the national level?

In France, the French Tennis Federation (FFT), which governs padel, also organizes tournaments exclusively in doubles (P25 to P3000, interclubs, French championships).

Nowadays :

  • There is  no official FFT singles ranking .
  • No French championship is played one-on-one.
  • The sanctioned tournaments are exclusively doubles.

Some private organizations may organize singles formats for entertainment or training purposes, but  These tests are not officially recognized. .

Why isn't singles developed in padel?

Several reasons explain this absence:

1/ The field is too wide for a single player

A 20 x 10 meter court requires significant coverage. In singles, the space becomes very physically demanding and completely changes the game's tactics.

2/ The DNA of padel is based on two-player strategy

Positioning, communication, and net play are central to the game. Removing the partner profoundly transforms the discipline.

3/ International bodies favour the spectacle format

Doubles offers more structured exchanges, tactical variations, and visual dynamism.

Can you play padel in singles for leisure?

Yes. Outside of the federal framework, nothing prevents playing singles:

  • On a conventional pitch (with tactical adaptation)
  • On a smaller field (some clubs offer 1 vs 1 fields and adapted tracks (6×18)
  • Training to work on defense and physical conditioning

Some brands have even developed specific, narrower courts to promote singles play, but they remain marginal.

Could singles padel become an official sport?

In the short term, this seems unlikely. International organizations like the FIP and major circuits have not announced any plans in this direction. The development of padel worldwide currently relies on doubles, a format that shapes the rankings, the spectacle, and the sport's economy.

In Summary

  • Padel singles is not allowed in official international competition.
  • There is no federal singles ranking in France.
  • The official format of padel remains exclusively doubles.
  • The simple can only be practiced as a leisure activity or in unsanctioned entertainment.
Team Padel Mag

The team Padel Magazine has been trying to offer you the best of padel since 2013, but also surveys and analyses to try to understand the world of padel. From the game to the politics of our sport, Padel Magazine is at your service.

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