Service Order in Padel

Service order in padel varies between singles and doubles. In singles, the server and receiver alternate service games: Player A serves Game 1, Player B serves Game 2, Player A serves Game 3, and so on. The player who served first in Set 1 serves first in odd-numbered sets (Sets 1, 3, 5), while the opponent serves first in even-numbered sets. In doubles, serve follows the A-C-B-D rotation where A and B are partners and C and D are opponents. Each of the four players serves one game in sequence before the rotation repeats. At the start of a new set, the player whose turn it is in the rotation serves first. This pattern ensures fair distribution and prevents serving advantage. Confusion about service order can arise at set changes or when substitutions are made (though substitutions are rare in padel). Players should confirm the service order before each set begins to prevent disputes.