Padel, in play: inside the Tatler Padel Series in Kuala Lumpur

Beyond the competition, the weekend was supported by a line-up of partners that added to the experience both on and off the court. Club Med created a dedicated space for participants to unwind between matches, while Lacoste brought a playful touch with its gachapon machine and dressed a selected group of players throughout the weekend. Tactical Padel supported the games across both weekends with its high-performance padel balls. Heineken, Uncle Jeff Drinks and Cocopod kept players refreshed throughout the weekend, while participants also had the chance to test the latest GWM vehicle.

The first weekend got off to a strong start with the qualifiers, as players stepped onto the courts with plenty of energy and anticipation. While the different categories brought together players of varying experience, the atmosphere was consistently competitive, with matches quickly setting the pace for the weekends ahead.

Beyond the competition itself, the opening weekend also reflected what has made padel such an appealing addition to Kuala Lumpur’s sporting scene. Matches unfolded in an atmosphere that was as social as it was competitive, with players and spectators moving between courts, catching up with friends and following the action as it developed.

By the second weekend, the momentum had only grown. With the competition becoming increasingly tight, so too did the intensity on court. Players had more at stake as they progressed through the series, resulting in closer matches and an atmosphere that grew more charged with every round.

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The second weekend also saw the introduction of the invitational matches, bringing together a selection of Tatler Friends for a different kind of showcase. Among those taking to the courts were squash legend Datuk Nicol David and Shalma Ainaa, adding familiar faces from Malaysia’s wider sporting and social circles to the action.

Their participation also highlighted the crossover appeal of padel, a sport that has attracted interest well beyond the traditional racquet-sport community. For established athletes, it offers a new competitive challenge; for social players, it provides an accessible way to stay active while being part of a growing community.

Over the course of two weekends, TPS became more than a series of matches. It offered a glimpse into the energy surrounding padel in Kuala Lumpur today—competitive, social and increasingly diverse. 

From the qualifiers to the tighter matches of the second weekend, the series brought players together at a time when interest in the sport continues to accelerate.

As the inaugural edition comes to a close, the Tatler Padel Series marks a new addition to Tatler Malaysia’s sporting calendar, connecting the worlds of sport, lifestyle and community. With its first chapter now complete, TPS sets the stage for what comes next as Kuala Lumpur’s padel scene continues to grow.

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