Photographing the Anglo-American Padel Cup 2025

Anglo American Padel CupPadel photographer London
Written By Karen Yeomans

Capturing the Spirit of a growing Sport: Padel

When I was invited to photograph the inaugural Anglo-American Padel Cup 2025 in London, I knew I was stepping into something fresh. As an award-winning specialist sports photographer, I’ve spent years documenting rugby, boxing, fitness and movement stories for major brands but padel was a new adventure. Fresh off the emotional high of photographing the Women’s Rugby World Cup, I was ready for a change of rhythm. The Padel Hub North London was buzzing the moment I arrived, players warming up, music bouncing, people laughing across national accents. The energy was excited, inclusive and instantly infectious.

Inclusive, Accessible and Full of Energy

The Anglo-American Padel Cup brought together teams from Great Britain and the United States across Open, 40s, 50s, and 60s categories, men and women competing side by side. That mix created something rare in elite sport: genuine inclusion. There was as much laughter as competition. Players swapped shirts, posed for selfies, and celebrated each other’s wins. It reminded me why I’m so passionate about inclusive sports photography and why I love seeing men and women participating and competing together. Padel invites everyone in. It’s fast, expressive, social and packed with personality, a perfect sport for authentic storytelling.

Discovering a New Visual Language

I’d read that padel was like a mix of tennis and squash, but it’s so much more dynamic up close. The glass walls and tight court create a constant dialogue between players and spectators. Photographing it meant completely rethinking my approach. I shot through the net, between reflections, across the glass, finding unexpected compositions everywhere. As a London-based sports photographer who’s captured stories across the world, I’m always chasing new visual language, movement, community, connection. In padel, every rally and rebound became an opportunity for storytelling full of light, texture, emotion and authenticity.

Finding Angles and windows into the Action

One of the unexpected advantages of being quite a small female photographer is the ability to quite literally squeeze into places others might not. In padel, where the courts are enclosed and space is tight, that mattered. I could crouch into corners, slip behind glass panels, or thread my lens through tiny openings in the net to capture unusual, intimate angles. Being physically nimble and flexible gives me access to perspectives that feel human and immediate, less about dominance and more about participation. My approach mirrors the qualities of the sport itself: agile, responsive, adaptable. Some of my favourite images were made in those split-second positions, balancing on tiptoe, ducking under a barrier, or quietly finding the unseen viewpoint. That ability to move lightly, observe closely and respond instinctively is a core part of my sports photography style. It keeps the work honest and lets me meet the moment exactly where it happens.

Capturing the Details That Make an Event Special

Beyond the matches, the organisers created a world-class experience. As the official photographer, I wanted to capture the whole event ecosystem, the atmosphere, the aesthetic, the small moments of care. There were immaculate visual touchpoints everywhere: Bold, coordinated branding and colour palettes. Themed cakes and delicate setups for afternoon tea. A warm sauna spot tucked behind the courts. A lively DJ booth, filling the air with upbeat energy. Every detail was curated with intention. It was a joy to photograph an event where the design, experience, and community spirit were so thoughtfully interwoven. Being part of that creative team was a thrill, it’s rare to see a debut tournament launch with such style, warmth, and visual impact.

Celebrating Connection in Sport and Storytelling

The Anglo-American Padel Cup felt like more than just a competition. It marked a new chapter for a sport rapidly growing in popularity across the UK. A bridge between nations built on friendship, movement, and shared passion. The atmosphere was electric, sponsors like Babolat and Playtomic, organisers who obsessed over every detail, and an audience that felt like an active part of the story. For me, as a sports photographer based in London and an advocate for authentic sports storytelling, this event captured everything I stand for: emotion, inclusion, collaboration, community, and excellence.

My goal was never simply to document who won. It was to tell the emotional story of a sport discovering itself. The intensity of a player’s focus, the laughter after a long rally, the gentle gestures of camaraderie, these moments define authentic sports imagery. Working fast and instinctively, I chased those flashes of truth. Reflections became metaphors, players caught mid-movement, suspended between control and chaos. That’s the kind of photography I live for: real, unguarded, alive.

A Sport on the Rise

Padel’s growth is extraordinary. In 2025, the UK passed 1,000 courts across 325 venues, up from just 68 in 2019. With backing from the LTA and USPA, it’s becoming one of the fastest-growing sports globally. Photographing this showpiece at such a pivotal moment felt like witnessing the early days of something that will shape future sporting culture. Padel is accessible, beautiful to watch, and visually distinctive, a dream for any sports and wellness photographer. Every sport teaches me something. Padel reminded me to stay curious, stay agile, and stay open to new ways of seeing. From the afternoon teas to the evening finals under floodlights, every frame carried warmth and community. Being part of the team who created and celebrated the first Anglo-American Padel Cup was a genuine thrill, proof that when creativity, care and collaboration combine, magic can happen.

Starting something new and looking for someone to bring it to life - Work with me

ANGLO-AMERICAN PADLE SOCIALS
Padel player reaching low for a defensive pickup, photographed courtside
Karen Yeomans

Award-winning photographer Karen Yeomans captures the power, movement, and emotion of sport with dynamic energy. Based in London, she collaborates with brands, agencies, and businesses to create striking visuals that inspire and engage. Karen has worked with Nike, Red Bull, GB Boxing, and the ECB, delivering impactful campaign imagery. She also helps fitness, lifestyle, and yoga brands bring their vision to life through compelling photography that expresses their passion, teachings, and products.

Whether it’s for branding, campaigns, or a creative project, I’m here to bring your ideas to life. Let’s make it happen. Get in touch to book a call.

https://www.karenyeomans.com
Next

Rugby World Cup ‘Where we belong’ Launch