Fares Al Janahi’s Journey from Tennis to Padel Inspires a New Generation in the UAE

From Professional Tennis to a New Sporting Opportunity

Emirati athlete Fares Al Janahi is building a name for himself in professional padel after previously pursuing a career in tennis.

His first experience with the sport came in 2015, when he played alongside his elder brother, Ahmed Janahi, during a Ramadan tournament at Nad Al Sheba.

However, his professional transition came in 2021, following the Covid-19 period and an injury that interrupted his tennis career.

Padel soon offered him a fresh opportunity to continue competing.

He also found the sport more welcoming for players with different levels of experience.

Why Padel Became His Preferred Sport

Al Janahi says the growing support from sports organisations, sponsors and commercial partners played an important role in his decision to move into padel.

He believes the sport has strong potential because it attracts beginners as well as experienced athletes.

While some premium academies charge higher fees, he points out that more affordable venues are also available across the UAE.

He does not see padel replacing tennis, but believes its accessibility and social nature are helping it expand quickly.

The increasing interest is creating more opportunities for players and businesses.

International Experience and Future Ambitions

Al Janahi has represented the UAE at major competitions, including the World Cup and the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

His Asian Games campaign ended in the quarterfinals against Qatar, whose players eventually won the competition.

Although the result was disappointing, the experience helped him understand where he needs to improve.

His main ambition is to achieve the highest possible ranking and potentially become the highest-ranked Emirati padel player.

He is focused on improving his performance, maintaining his fitness and competing at a higher international level.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Emirati Players

Beyond his personal achievements, Al Janahi wants to contribute to the development of padel in the UAE.

He regularly looks for opportunities to support local events and initiatives that encourage more people to take up the sport.

He believes young Emiratis need role models who can show them what is possible through dedication and commitment.

His advice to aspiring professionals is to understand their motivation and remain determined throughout the journey.

For him, success means not only improving his own career but also helping create more opportunities for the next generation.