…a new interview series from Flamingo.
Welcoming Anna Sharp.
Professional Padel Coach | Community Builder | Former Elite Tennis Player
There are some people who seem to throw themselves wholeheartedly into everything they do. Anna Sharp is one of them.
A former top-eight junior tennis player in the UK, Anna’s journey has taken her from elite sport to superyachts, recruitment, estate agency and eventually into the world of padel, where she has become one of Dorset’s most recognisable coaches and community builders.
Today, she coaches players across the region, runs events, champions women in sport and somehow still finds time to compete herself.
We sat down with Anna at Flamingo in Ashley Cross for brunch to talk tennis, setbacks, competition, padel’s explosive growth and why she’s convinced the sport is only just getting started.
First things first. What’s on the table today, and who’s your guest?
I’m definitely a creature of habit. Normally anything involving avocado gets my attention.
Today I was torn between scrambled eggs with halloumi and half the brunch menu to be honest. I love a good brunch and Flamingo always makes choosing difficult.
My guest is my good friend, Rachael!
How does a typical day look for Anna Sharp?
Most mornings start with a walk with my mum.
Then it’s usually coaching, planning events, meetings and trying to fit in some time to play myself. I’d love to say I make it to the gym every day, but that hasn’t been going particularly well recently.
Padel has completely taken over my life. A few months ago I was playing four or five times a week. These days it’s probably closer to twice, simply because there aren’t enough hours in the day.
Let’s go back to the beginning. What were you like growing up?
I was born in Kent before moving down to Poole when I was quite young.
I was always ridiculously competitive. My dad is incredibly competitive too, so I think I’ve inherited that from him.
Sport was a huge part of my childhood. Some of my earliest memories are throwing a ball around with my dad. I was a complete tomboy and spent most of my time outdoors.
When did tennis become more than just a hobby?
I was spotted at a county event when I was around nine years old and invited into county training.
From that point onwards tennis became a massive part of my life. It went from being something I enjoyed to something I was genuinely pursuing.
You eventually reached the top eight nationally for your age group. What don’t people see behind that achievement?
The dedication.
People see the rankings and results, but they don’t see the sacrifices.
As a teenager you’re trying to balance school, training, travel and everything else that comes with growing up. While your friends are going to parties, you’re often travelling to tournaments or training.
When I started competing internationally, I realised how much some families sacrificed. You’d meet players whose parents had sold homes, lived in caravans and travelled Europe chasing opportunities.
That’s when I realised how much hunger and sacrifice it really takes.
Looking back, what separates those who make it professionally?
Discipline.
Talent matters, of course, but talent alone isn’t enough.
The players who make it have an obsession. Their entire lives revolve around improving. It’s not a hobby or even a passion. It becomes their identity.
I loved tennis, but I don’t think I had that level of single-mindedness.
Did any familiar names come through your age group?
One name everyone knows is Andy Murray.
We’d see him at tournaments. He’d arrive, win and leave.
Even then, you could tell he was different. The way he carried himself, the way he competed and the support structure around him. You could see something special.
At 16 you stepped away from the full-time tennis pathway. Was that a difficult decision?
It happened quite suddenly.
I had left school to pursue tennis full-time and within a few months my coach moved to Australia.
He was someone I trusted completely and it felt like the whole plan disappeared overnight.
I ended up returning to school, but because of the timing I had to drop back a year. My friends had moved on and suddenly I was starting again.
Looking back though, I have absolutely no regrets.
Before padel, you had some very different careers.
I worked on superyachts, in recruitment and estate agency.
I’ve always felt like I was searching for where I belonged.
I’ve never been someone who knew exactly what they wanted to do. I tend to say yes to opportunities and see where they lead.
That’s probably why I’ve ended up doing so many different things.
Then came the injury that changed everything.
I was coaching tennis and loving life.
Then I managed to injure my forearm playing TopGolf of all things.
A combination of poor technique, too many golf balls and being slightly competitive created the perfect storm.
The physical injury was difficult, but the mental side was even harder. Eventually I developed a level of imposter syndrome and lost confidence in my coaching.
At the time it felt awful.
Now I can see it was one of the best things that ever happened to me.
How did padel enter the picture?
I first played during lockdown in Tenerife.
Honestly, I didn’t immediately think it was going to change my life.
I enjoyed it, but I certainly didn’t predict what would happen next.
Everything changed once courts started appearing locally. I got better quickly because of my tennis background and then, like most things I do, I became completely obsessed.
Is padel a craze or is it here to stay?
I genuinely think we’re still at the beginning.
The participation numbers keep growing and the community keeps expanding.
What we need to be careful of is oversaturation, but the demand is still incredibly strong.
I don’t see the momentum slowing down anytime soon.
Why has padel connected with people so strongly?
Because it’s fun.
It’s sociable.
It’s accessible.
You can have a genuinely competitive match with your friends, your parents or someone you’ve only just met.
That’s incredibly powerful.
I always tell people that padel gives you the social side of sport without the barriers that some sports can create.
Give us your 20-second pitch. Why should somebody try padel?
It’s the most sociable sport you’ll ever play.
It’s easier to pick up than tennis, you’ll have fun from day one and you’ll meet great people.
Simple as that.
Most people know you as a coach now. How competitive are you still as a player?
Very.
Although I’m becoming realistic too.
A few months ago my entire focus was competing. Then you start looking around and realise there are a lot of younger players arriving with serious talent.
I’ll continue pushing myself over the next year or so and see how far I can go.
I’d love to make the Great Britain Over-40s team one day.
That would be a huge achievement.
What do you enjoy most about coaching?
Seeing people improve.
Particularly women who arrive feeling nervous and unsure whether they belong.
So many people turn up to their first session convinced they’re not good enough.
Then a few weeks later they’re playing regularly, entering events and building friendships through the sport.
That’s incredibly rewarding.
You’re particularly passionate about getting more women into padel. Why?
Because I think sport gives people confidence.
Women sometimes feel pressure to downplay their competitiveness.
I love creating environments where women feel comfortable competing, improving and being proud of wanting to win.
There should be room in sport for everyone — from social beginners to fiercely competitive players.
Have you seen padel genuinely change people’s lives?
Absolutely.
Friendships, confidence, fitness, mental wellbeing — I’ve seen all of it.
Some people arrive knowing nobody and within months they’re playing three times a week and have a whole new friendship group.
It’s far more than a sport for many people.
Looking back at your journey, is this where you expected life to take you?
Not even remotely.
A year ago, certainly not.
I’ve had opportunities through padel that I never imagined I’d have. Coaching, events, social media, judging awards, ambassador roles, an apparel brand that i’m proud to be part of called Fortyluv (Link) — it’s all happened incredibly quickly.
When I look back at where I was this time last year, I’m genuinely proud of what I’ve built.
And that’s a nice feeling.
Finally, if people want to get hold of you to talk padel, social games or becoming part of your community, where should they head?
The best place is my Instagram page, @annapadeluk.
Whether you’re completely new to padel, looking for coaching, interested in social games, events or simply want to become part of the local padel community, drop me a message and say hello.
I’d love to hear from you.
————————-
ANNA’S DOSSIER
Brunch order: Scrambled eggs with halloumi
Coffee order: Flat White (coconut milk)
Current playlist: Embarrassingly, sad music when i’m on a run!
Most-used emoji: 😂
Hidden talent: Juggling
Dream celebrity padel partner: Joe Marler
Best player you’ve played against: Rosie Quirk
Biggest padel pet hate: People taking too long between points
Favourite padel club: NAC Marbella, Spain
Three brunch guests: Jason Manford, Joanne McNally and my dad
Most competitive person you know: Probably me
One thing people are surprised to learn about you: When I walked away from tennis completely I joined a rowing team!
If you weren’t involved in padel: I’d probably be in sales
Padel in 2030: Bigger, stronger and more established than ever
One piece of advice for someone thinking about trying padel: Just do it.
—————————–
Interviewed by: Joshua Simons
Photos: Samantha Sheldon
Location: Flamingo Café Bar, Poole
