MIAMI, April 4 -- Padel, the racket sport that originated among the elites of Latin America and Spain, has exploded in popularity in Miami.

Fans say it will conquer the rest of the United States, and the world.

A cross between tennis and squash, played on courts surrounded by glass walls, the sport has quickly become a key part of the Florida lifestyle, adopted first by Miami's Latino community and now spreading to clubs, parks and luxury hotels.

Entrepreneurs have rushed to build courts, hoping to cash in on a buzzy new hobby that is usually played by teams of two, and offers the health benefits of physical exercise with a chance to socialize and make new acquaintances.

Florida accounts for 40 per cent of all padel courts in the US. ...