North vs South 2025

Last weekend, my favorite event of the year, North vs South, took place. This event showcases 32 of the top players from Johannesburg and Durban against Cape Town’s top 32 players. Held over three days, it features four rounds with 16 matches each, hosted at the stunning Rotunda venue at the Bay Hotel in Camps Bay—an incredible setting for such an exciting competition.

A brief history of the event: in 2023, the inaugural North vs South saw Cape Town dominate with a convincing victory. In 2024, the event ended in a nail-biting draw. This year, many expected the North to claim the trophy for the first time.

The competition this year was fiercely. The North won the first two rounds, but the South fought back, taking the next two. After the North held a strong lead following the first two days, the South surged ahead on Sunday morning, winning the first seven matches to lead 29-28. However, the North hung on in the final matches to secure a 34-30 victory.

I was happy with my performance over the weekend winning all 4 of my matches, including one 14-12 win in the third set tie-breaker after facing 3 match points. I was also very happy to win one of the MVP awards for the South Team.

After watching and participating in so many close matches over the weekend I learnt that winning matches and closing matches is a rare skill and something that is not easy to practice. You need to put yourself in these situations over a series of years to develop the ability.

This remains the best weekend of the padel year and I truly can't wait for next year!

Brett Hilarides and Christian Coeztee vs Chevaan Davids and Dead Nortier at North vs South 2025

Brett Hilarides