Pat Rafter fronts padel takeover of Opera House

A royal-red padel court has landed at the Sydney Opera House as UBS, Waldorf Astoria and a line-up of sporting and entertainment names back a new two-day event on the harbour.

Australian tennis stars Pat Rafter and Casey Dellacqua will unveil the custom-built court on Friday morning ahead of the Padel Invitational presented by UBS, which runs from 15–16 August.

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Spanish padel champion Alejandra Salazar, a five-time world No. 1, will join Rafter and Dellacqua for the launch. The court has been built on the Sydney Opera House’s Northern Broadwalk.

Brands build around Sydney padel event

The weekend will combine professional matches, celebrity exhibitions and community sessions with live entertainment and partner activations. UBS is the presenting partner of the event, which was created by Padel Australia in collaboration with Premier Padel and the International Padel Federation.

Waldorf Astoria will also bring its recently launched global Racquet Club concept to Sydney for the first time. The hotel brand will take over the Opera House’s Yallamundi Rooms with hospitality, cocktails and a curated food offering.

The activation will provide an early look at the brand ahead of Waldorf Astoria Sydney’s planned opening in 2027.

Celebrities join one-point knockout

Saturday’s program includes a Celebrity 1 Point Padel tournament, where a single point determines each match. The format will pair celebrities, sports figures and creators with professional padel players.

The announced line-up includes actor Josh Heuston, model Bambi Northwood-Blyth, tennis champion Todd Woodbridge, actress Geraldine Viswanathan and Australian Open 1 Point Slam winner Jordan Smith.

Viral comedy duo The Inspired Unemployed will also compete alongside Rafter and other players.

Later on Saturday, the Premier Padel Invitational will feature international players including Juan Martín Díaz, Martín Di Nenno, Maximiliano Sánchez, Pablo García Rodrigo and Marina Lobo.

Rafter returns for community program

Sunday’s schedule will include UBS Community Padel Experiences, giving competition winners the chance to play alongside Rafter, Dellacqua and members of Australia’s national padel team.

Premier Padel players will then take part in exhibition matches before facing Rafter, Dellacqua and The Inspired Unemployed. The weekend concludes with the Road to the Padel Invitational finals for players who qualified through clubs around Australia.

The Padel Invitational is the first event of its kind from Padel Australia, bringing professional padel, celebrities, community participation and brand activations together at the Sydney Opera House.