Asunción is currently experiencing a sporting revolution, transforming itself into a major South American racket centre for both padel and tennis. This padel and tennis in Asunción guide is your essential handbook for navigating the city’s facilities, understanding the history of both sports, and securing your next game, whether you are a tourist or a new resident.
This complete guide will walk you through the most accessible courts, from free municipal spaces to high-end social complexes, and detail where to find the specialised equipment you require.
Padel: From early adoption to South American powerhouse
The story of padel in Paraguay is one of early adoption, strategic growth, and national pride. The Federación Paraguaya de Padel (FEPARPA) was established in 1992, making the nation one of the first members of the International Padel Federation.
This early commitment led Paraguay to develop a robust infrastructure, which subsequently allowed Asunción to host major international tournaments such as the FIP World Padel Championships and the Junior World Padel Championships. Consequently, Asunción has firmly established its position as a vital South American hub for the sport.
Best places to play padel
Finding an accessible court is straightforward, with a mix of commercial complexes and public spaces available:
- Uliko Sports Complex: Located near the bustling Mercado 4 area, this complex offers dedicated courts for play.
- Fanáticos Boggiani: This centre provides an active social hub for padel enthusiasts, offering booking, rental, and competition links via its social media.
- Central Padel: A popular spot for players, offering reservations via WhatsApp on +595 983 413000.
- Nu Guasu Park: This vast public park offers free courts for general use, ideal for casual games.
- Complejo SND: The National Sports Centre (Secretaría Nacional de Deportes) offers its courts for use, which is free for regulated sports activities.
Best places to buy padel equipment
While rental is widely available, purchasing your own preferred equipment is recommended for consistent play:
- Uliko;
- Decathlon;
- TL Sports (sells gear suitable for padel and tennis).
Tennis: A resurgence driven by stars
Tennis in Paraguay has seen a significant resurgence in recent years, fuelled by the return of the professional Paraguay Open (ATP Challenger Tour) to Asunción in 2024. This international event, alongside the rise of young national stars such as Daniel Vallejo, has inspired a new generation of players. This combination of top-tier events and rising local talent is currently driving both national interest and infrastructure growth across the country.
Best places to play tennis
Asunción offers both elite clubs with long histories and excellent programme options:
- International Tennis Club (CIT): A prominent social and sporting club with high-quality clay courts, to play here you need to be a member or be invited by one;
- Rakiura and Club Centenario, Club Deportivo Sajonia and Club Nautico de San Bernardino (Same as CIT);
- Harrison Tennis: Offers extensive facilities across multiple locations, including Ycuá Sati, Herrera, and DTA (at Club Alemán), Plaza Madero (Luque) and Los Lagos (Capiatá). They specialise in professional training;
- Paraguayan Tennis Association (APT): The governing body for tennis in Paraguay often lists active venues, tournaments and provides programme information;
- Complejo SND: The National Sports Centre offers well-maintained courts for tennis practice.
(While court use at the Complejo SND is free for regulated sports, private entities or groups must follow a formal process to secure a space. To hire the synthetic grass courts or other areas, interested parties must first go to the Directorate of Institutional Strengthening and Development, in the Premises Lease Department, to verify availability and complete the relevant usage form for payment authorisation. This form must then be presented to the Financial Directorate, in the Treasury Department, where payment is made. The official receipt must finally be presented to the Court Control Encargado (supervisor) at the assigned time to gain access to the court.)
Best places to buy tennis equipment
It is quite rare to find long-term rental programmes for tennis equipment in Paraguay, as players usually prefer to purchase their own rackets for personalised performance:
- TL Multimarcas (Sells major brands like Babolat);
- Top Tennis (Sells brands like Wilson);
- Head Club (Specialises in Head equipment);
- Decathlon (Offers beginner brands like Artengo).
The key to the court: The Reva App
For anyone planning a regular game, technology has simplified the process significantly. The Reva App is the leading digital platform used by padel and tennis players across Asunción for quick and efficient court scheduling. The application allows users to check court availability, make reservations, and in many cases, handle the rental of equipment directly through its interface.
Essential gear and safety advice
When playing these racket sports, safety, comfort, and efficiency rely entirely on using the correct equipment. It is very important to use the appropriate shoes and rackets. For safety and comfort, proper athletic footwear with good cushioning and lateral support is necessary to protect the bones and joints from the impact and sharp lateral movements inherent in both sports. Using the correct racket or pala (for padel) not only enhances performance but also reduces the risk of injury. Have fun!
After this padel and tennis in Asunción guide, also read: 5 Swimming Pools In Asunción: Where to Learn, Train, Or Just Cool Off.
