Cull to represent England at inaugural Four Nations padel event

The former US scholarship tennis player has been picked in England’s open quartet for the inaugural UK Padel Four Nations in Leeds, where they will face Wales, Scotland and Ireland in a round-robin.

This selection at senior level marks a significant milestone for Guernsey padel, let alone his individual career.

‘It’s my first time playing for England in any sport, so it’s really exciting,’ he said.

‘It’s quite nervewracking. Wearing a shirt with England on it seems quite alien to me.’

Cull hopes that he can continue his momentum from here and achieve selection for the Great Britain set-up.

And although Guernsey very much appears to punch above its weight in international padel, living on a small island does have its drawbacks.

‘Here, it’s very hard to be there and involved in the training,’ Cull added.

‘I’m going over as much as I can do feasibly with work and everyone’s being really kind and flexible with me doing that, but I think eight people get in the GB team, which is in July, and I’m probably around the 11, 12 mark right now – so not there yet, but trying.’

Cull’s efforts to climb the national ladder include training with various playing partners over in London.

But the constant need for partners in tournaments leads to possibly the only thing he dislikes about padel.

‘It’s like dating. You’ve got to ask around and hope some people that are better than you say yes, and hope you play well on that day and they play with you again.

‘Some of the top guys, they’re in quite established partnerships, and then the people just below them are trying to find the best player they can get.

‘I’m sure those guys are getting five, six, seven messages per tournament – which I am as well – and it’s awkward sometimes.

‘I don’t love it but you’ve got to be selfish and get the best you can get.’