A milestone initiative is set to launch in 2026 as the International Padel Federation (FIP) introduces the “Star Point”, a scoring system designed to modernise the game without changing the traditions of padel.
Starting in 2026, the Star Point will be applied in the following tournaments: Premier Padel, CUPRA FIP Tour, FIP Promises, and the amateur FIP Beyond.
The new system was approved on November 28 by the General Assembly of the FIP, which currently brings together 100 national federations.
Approval followed a process that included consultations with players, coaches, promoters, broadcasters, and commercial partners during the 2025 season – all of which received positive feedback – and culminated in in-depth discussions with the Premier Padel Steering Committees.
The Star Point introduces an alternative option for games that reach deuce or tiebreaker, which is when the score is tied at 40-40, just like tennis.
New system guidelines
The new system is activated at first deuce and involves three stages:
First advantage
If the team with the advantage wins the point, they win the game. If they lose, the score returns to 40-40.
Second advantage
If the team with the advantage wins the point, the game is won. If they lose, play moves to the Star Point.
Star Point
A single decisive point: the winner of this point takes the game.
This system limits the maximum number of points that can be played in a game, which avoids prolonged advantage situations.
Padel scoring is largely the same as tennis with 15, 30, 40, Game, Deuce, Advantage, as the standard system.
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Innovation and tradition of padel
According to FIP, the innovation therefore balances the essence of the game with its evolution, improving the welfare of players and enhancing fan engagement.
FIP President Luigi Carraro explained the measure, saying: “We believe it improves the spectacle without losing the identity of padel.
“It is an option that protects the quality of the sport and the health of the players.”
He provided an example, saying: “In the women’s quarter-finals between Sánchez-Josemaría and Calvo-Salazar, the first game lasted 18 and a half minutes; with the new system, it would have been resolved in just over four.”
The Star Point will be used starting with the FIP Bronze Melbourne, the first stage of the CUPRA FIP Tour, taking place from January 5 to 11.
Its debut in the Premier Padel circuit is set for the Riyadh P1 from February 9 to 14, kicking off the new season of the top professional circuit.
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SportJustSport writers