Tayc and padel: when the racket takes over the studio

An episode that reads like a sports confession

The concept behind “On the Court with…” is simple: a conversation, followed by a challenge on the court. With Tayc, the interview quickly takes a very practical turn. He smiles, says he’ll “give it a try,” and ends up letting slip what sounds like a confession: padel has become the only activity capable of dethroning the studio. It’s not just a throwaway line meant to sound good, but rather a snapshot of his daily life: playing before, after—it “doesn’t matter”—as long as he has his racket.

The turning point: an invitation, a misunderstanding… and the snowball effect

His introduction to padel is the kind of story you’d hear in the locker room. Tayc explains that he started “about a year and a half ago,” after being invited by his professional circle. And as is often the case with “trend” sports, that first step came about through a misunderstanding: someone suggested he “go paddleboarding,” and he pictured himself on the water… before realizing they meant padel. The retort “We’re in Paris—there’s no water here!” hits the mark, because it also conveys something else: this sport has taken off so quickly that it can pop into your life as a surprise.

Once on the court, Tayc describes a feeling that many new players recognize: immediate accessibility. From the very first session, you feel “pretty good at it”—you don’t feel left behind. He compares it to tennis, where the gap in skill level can be discouraging. Here, the fun comes sooner… and that’s when the mechanics of addiction kick in.

A healthy lifestyle already in place… and padel as the new focal point

What makes his story interesting is that it doesn’t come from a sedentary “convert.” Tayc first and foremost presents himself as a multi-talented artist, but sports are already part of his routine: strength training, CrossFit, and running at the start of the week. And in the midst of this structured routine, he adds almost as an afterthought: “And then a lot of padel today, too.”

It’s easy to see why padel fits in so well: it’s a sport that combines physical exertion, coordination, and reading the game, all while maintaining a strong social aspect. People come to improve their game, stay to play again, and eventually organize their week around the available time slots.

“Competitive Mode”: The Moment When a Hobby Takes on a New Status

At one point, Tayc puts this turning point into words: he’s switched to “competition mode.” And from there, his talk starts to sound almost like that of a traditional club player: first tournaments, finding the right level, and the desire to test himself without getting burned.

In particular, he talks about his early days in P25 tournaments, before moving up to see what the next level was like. His conclusion is blunt: in P100, it’s a tough road. This contrast is important because it adds nuance to the image of padel as an “easy” sport. Yes, you start having fun right away. But as soon as the tempo picks up, the players close the door on the net, and defense becomes a science, the game changes completely.

“Easy” padel? Tayc puts forward an idea that resonates with everyone

In response to critics who say, “It’s easy,” Tayc replies with a phrase that sums up the times well: when something becomes a craze, it’s because there’s something to understand. He talks about the “science” of padel—in other words: decisions, playing areas, timing, and muscle memory. In short, it’s a game that rewards intelligence as much as it does physical ability.

Without getting into the technical jargon, his message is clear: if we come back, it’s not just because it’s fun. It’s because we feel there’s room to grow. And we want to make the most of it.

The shot that gets him excited: the bajada de pared, backhand version

When asked about his favorite shot, Tayc cites a specific move: the bajada de pared, including on the backhand side. This detail is significant. The bajada is typically the shot that symbolizes the turning point from “I’m on the defensive” to “I’m regaining the initiative”: reading the bounce, timing, and commitment. And when it comes off, the feeling is immediate. It’s the choice of a player who is no longer content to simply return the ball, but who seeks to build the point.

Deliberate references and competitive nods

When the conversation turns to role models and aspirations, Tayc reveals another side of his relationship with padel: that of a player who observes, admires, and envisions his own future. He specifically mentions Tolito Aguirre, a spectacular figure on the circuit, for one simple reason: “He entertains me. You can tell he’s having a blast.” More than just a role model for performance, it’s his attitude that catches Tayc’s attention—that way of playing for the fun of it as much as for the point.

On a different note, Tayc also drops a subtle challenge, expressing his hope for a friendly rematch against Steve Mandanda. It’s a remark made with a smile, but one that says a lot about today’s padel culture, where the courts have become venues for friendly showdowns between celebrities—far from being just an occasional pastime.

These references, offered off the cuff, paint a picture of padel as a space for game, observation, and imagination. Not a showcase, but a court where admiration, a competitive spirit, and a love of challenge cross.

Player reference points: clubs, space, height… and habits that take hold

Another breakthrough: Tayc doesn’t talk about padel as some abstract sport. He mentions specific venues and describes what he likes about a court—the space, the height, the feeling of playing “big.” He also talks about his training routines. At this point, it’s no longer just a matter of “I gave it a try,” but rather a structured practice with preferences and routines.

To understand the context of the show and the ecosystem that supports this type of content, you can find an overview of the brand here: 4PADEL.

Conclusion

What Tayc is really talking about isn’t just another celebrity obsession. It’s a very contemporary story about a sport that’s finding its way into busy schedules because it checks all the boxes: it’s accessible, social, and addictive, but also technical enough to fuel a desire to improve. And when an artist goes so far as to say that padel has dethroned the gym, it’s not just a punchline—it’s a sign. Padel is no longer just “trendy”; it’s becoming a habit.

To remember

• Padel has become such a big part of Tayc’s daily life that it has even taken precedence over the studio at a point.
• What makes it so appealing is its immediate accessibility, which makes you want to play it over and over again.
• He expects the intensity to increase as he switches to “competition mode” and faces the reality of the skill gaps.
• His signature move right now: the bajada de pared, a symbol of a more structured game.