Formula One star Pierre Gasly is set to go head-to-head with Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal after becoming the owner of new padel team, 10Padel.
The latest craze in the world of racket sports, padel had started out life as a humble recreational pastime but is now enjoying a major popularity boom.
A combination of tennis and squash, padel is a sport enjoyed by punters and professional athletes alike, including Formula One ace Gasly.
Speaking ahead of the Mexico Grand Prix, the Frenchman revealed he’d started a padel team of his own.
“Some very exciting news, I became a padel owner this morning, entering the eights team in the Hexagon Cup,” Gasly said.
“It’s a new competition that started last year in Madrid. Big names involved, Lionel Messi, Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal, they own teams and many others [do as well].
“It’s really exciting to have my own team playing against these guys. It’s going to start at the end of January next year, so if you’re available that weekend, you’re more than welcome to come.”
French businessman and president of Ligue 2 side Lorient, Loic Fery, is joining Gasly in his new venture.
It’s said the pair bonded over the sport at the Miami Grand Prix, which is estimated to have over 30 million players across 130 different countries.
The Hexagon Cup involves a unique format that puts both male, female and next-gen professional padel players into teams led by key figures from the world of sport and entertainment.
Two-time Olympic gold medalist Murray, who has ties to a Hexagon Cup team named AD/vantage, admitted last year that he sees a big future for the sport.
“I am excited to be part of the group of team owners in the inaugural edition of the Hexagon Cup,” he told the tournament’s official website.
“A few years ago I invested in Game4Padel to contribute to the growth of this sport in the United Kingdom, which is already very popular in South America, the Middle East and parts of Europe.
“I love the fact that it’s easy to play, fun and social, so it will get people of all ages and abilities to pick up a racket and give it a try.”
The Hexagon Cup begins on January 29 and runs until February 2.
