The Pro Padel League (PPL), recognized as the world’s leading professional padel league, has announced a major development: American tennis star Frances Tiafoe has partnered with the New York Atlantics as an investor and advisor. This marks the first time an active professional tennis player has aligned with a padel franchise, signaling a new era of crossover between racquet sports.
Tiafoe, currently ranked seventeenth in the ATP rankings, will not only contribute financially but also play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of the team as part of its senior leadership.
Tiafoe’s vision for padel in the United States
Expressing his enthusiasm for the new venture, Tiafoe stated, “I’m thrilled to join the New York Atlantics, not just as an investor but as part of the leadership team shaping the future of this incredible sport. Padel is catching fire globally — and fast — and I believe we’re just scratching the surface of its potential. I’m proud to be at the forefront of bringing that energy to the U.S. and to help build a championship culture in New York.”
His involvement reflects a growing interest in padel among elite athletes and highlights the sport’s expanding footprint in North America.
A team built on excellence and experience
The New York Atlantics boast an impressive roster, including three players ranked in the global top ten — two women and one man — with Ari Sánchez, the world’s number one female padel player, leading the charge. The team’s strategic depth is further enhanced by Argentinian padel icon Juan Martin Diaz, who also serves as an advisor.
Mike Dorfman, CEO of the Pro Padel League, emphasized the significance of Tiafoe’s involvement, noting the growing momentum behind the league and the sport itself.
Expanding the investor circle
Tiafoe’s entry into the PPL comes alongside other notable investors. FC Dallas goalkeeper Maarten Paes and Gordon Uehling, a former professional tennis player and founder of CourtSense, have also joined the funding round. Their participation underscores the increasing appeal of padel among athletes from diverse backgrounds.
Strategic impact on and off the court
Diego Zalazar, Head Coach and General Manager of the New York Atlantics, welcomed Tiafoe’s arrival with enthusiasm. “We’re thrilled to welcome Frances Tiafoe to the New York Atlantics. Having such proximate access to Frances’ world-class racquet sports mind will be of great benefit to both our management team and our players,” he said. “A padel enthusiast himself, Frances will provide invaluable advice in the boardroom and on the practice court.”
With this dynamic blend of talent, leadership, and investment, the New York Atlantics are poised to become a driving force in the evolution of professional padel in the United States.
Tiafoe at the U.S. Open, ranking, and results in 2025
Now ranked no.17, Tiafoe achieved a composed 25-18 record in 2025. Frances is now having a run at the U.S. Open where he managed to beat the world no.149 Yoshihito Nishioka 6-3 7-6(6) 6-3.
Frances Tiafoe will fight against the world no.431 Martin Damm in the 2nd round. They have never competed against each other up to now in top competitions.
Tiafoe was the runner-up in Houston (US Men’s Clay Court Championship).
The American won 4 titles in his career: 2 on hard courts, 1 on clay courts and 1 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)