Padel Takes Root in Jesteburg: Tennis Hall Reimagined for Rising Spanish Sport
Jesteburg,Germany – A new sporting trend is coming to Jesteburg as the local tennis hall on Moor 8 undergoes a change to accommodate “Padel,” a fast-growing racquet sport originating in Spain and mexico. The hall,recently purchased by Ingmar Obermüller and the Dietel family (Gerolf,Dag,and Dado) from Eidelstedt,will now feature two Padel courts alongside preserved tennis facilities.
The changeover marks the end of an era for the tennis hall, previously operated for nearly two decades by the previous owners for the benefit of TC Jesteburg tennis club. The club ultimately found hall operation too financially demanding, according to Obermüller: ”An association cannot do that.”
The Dietel family brings experience to the venture, already operating a four-court Padel hall in Halstenbek since 2024. “It just fit,” Obermüller explained, describing the synergy that led to the joint project, “Padel-Amigos.”
A key condition of the sale was the continued availability of tennis courts for the TC Jesteburg, a commitment Obermüller personally supports.”That is also vital to me personally,” he stated.
Padel, described by Obermüller as “much less running intensive” than tennis or squash, is typically played in doubles on smaller courts – half the size of a tennis court, accommodating twice as many players. The sport utilizes a tennis-ball sized ball wiht lower internal pressure, resulting in a slower flight and lower bounce. Rackets are shorter than tennis rackets and feature a perforated plastic surface instead of strings. Games are played within a 10×20 metre enclosure with glass walls, offering spectators a full view of the action.
Obermüller and his son, Emil, are working quickly to prepare the hall for the indoor tennis season launch on September 15th, having taken ownership on September 1st. Specialized flooring and safety glass separation walls have been ordered directly from a Spanish company, though a firm delivery date remains uncertain.
Meaningful upgrades have already been completed, including the installation of a new gas-powered “dark heating” system to replace the previous, inefficient unit which caused condensation issues. While the hall’s bistro will remain closed due to financial viability, plans are in development to add warm-up facilities, alongside renovations to existing cabins and showers.
“The most important thing for us is: people should have fun here,” Obermüller emphasized, signaling a welcoming atmosphere for both seasoned athletes and newcomers to the sport. The opening of Padel-Amigos is anticipated this autumn.
