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Laura Robson and Tim Henman have expressed differing views on the possibility of padel courts being installed at Wimbledon. The tennis-squash hybrid is experiencing a boom in popularity across Britain, with the number of courts throughout the country well into four figures. Several tennis players have also switched to professional padel in recent years, including former WTA star Roberta Vinci and Wimbledon semi-finalist Jerzy Janowicz.

Six years ago, the Lawn Tennis Association became the national governing body for padel in the UK and Henman sees no reason why courts should not be installed at the All England Club. Such a move would likely face a backlash from traditionalists, but the 51-year-old believes padel should be embraced at the spiritual home of British tennis.

A planned expansion into the former Wimbledon Park Golf Club across Church Road may provide the perfect opportunity for the changes to be implemented in the coming years.

"In my opinion, for the community, across the road with that space, there definitely could be an opportunity," said Henman, who is a board member at the All England Club.

"Why not? I think padel's a great game. I love it, it's expanding fast and it's a game that can be played by everyone, I think it's a lot easier than tennis. Only time will tell.

"The main site is a bit restricted but, when you talk about the area of land that you've got across the road and trying to do things for the community, if that's what they want, then why wouldn't you?

"I think the LTA are wise to take it under their umbrella because, if every tennis club is turning every tennis court into padel courts, then you've got a problem.

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"But I see it as another string to the bow of tennis clubs that more people get in there, more people are playing sport, more people are being active, more people are utilising those facilities, having a drink at the bar and having fun at a club.

"I think it's a good thing and I'm a fan."

The proposed expansion to the Wimbledon site is currently on hold, with the plans mired in legal challenges and repeated delays. As a result, the prospect of padel courts being installed remains purely hypothetical for now.

Robson would also welcome the introduction of padel courts at the All England Club but disagrees with Henman about the likelihood of it actually coming to fruition.

"I can't see them putting up walls," she said. "Selfishly, it would be very beneficial because I always struggle to get a court and it would be very handy."

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