Adorable Story #102: Viviana and Enrique Corcuera

This week we fly to Acapulco in 1969 and witness the invention of Padel

Viviana Corcuera poses in a kaftan in Marbella, September 1985 — Photo © by Slim Aarons / Getty Images

From an improvised solution to a tennis problem in 1969 to a global phenomenon with 18 million players today, Padel’s journey began with one visionary couple.

When Enrique Corcuera and his Argentinian wife Viviana modified their Acapulco villa’s tennis court, they couldn’t have imagined creating what would become one of the world’s fastest-growing sports. Their remarkable partnership sparked a worldwide movement that continues to accelerate more than five decades later.

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Table of Contents: Enrique Corcuera: Sugar Baron and Sportsman / Viviana Corcuera / Lightbulb Moment / Why the name “Padel”? / Alfonso Hohenlohe / Padel Today /

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Enrique Corcuera: Sugar Baron and Sportsman

Enrique Corcuera was known in business circles as a successful “homme d’affaires” whose wealth primarily derived from his prosperous sugar cane refinery and hacienda in Jalisco, Guadalajara, Mexico.

Mexico’s sugar industry has historically been significant to the national economy, with large haciendas representing both agricultural production and cultural heritage.

Enrique’s sugar cane operation provided him with substantial financial resources, positioning him among Mexico’s landed elite.

Viviana Corcuera

Viviana Corcuera was Argentine by birth, achieving national recognition when she was crowned Miss Argentina in 1964. This prestigious title launched her modeling career and introduced her to international social circles.

Viviana and Enrique married sometimes in the 60s and divided their time between their hacienda in Jalisco and their summer house in Acapulco.

Lightbulb Moment

Facing a practical problem—lack of space in their garden to create a full size tennis court and tennis balls frequently escaping into neighboring properties— Enrique creatively modified their home tennis court.