Rafter and McKeown launch The Padel Invitational presented by UBS at Sydney Opera House
Former world No. 1 tennis player turned member of Australia’s national padel team, Pat Rafter, has joined Olympic swimming champion Kaylee McKeown in a special exhibition hit overlooking Sydney Harbour.
Australian tennis legend Pat Rafter and Olympic champion Kaylee McKeown OAM today unveiled the Padel Invitational presented by UBS at the Sydney Opera House ahead of the inaugural event on 15-16 August.
Rafter, a former world No.1 and member of Australia's national padel team, the Aussie Crocs, joined McKeown for a special exhibition hit overlooking Sydney Harbour, offering a first glimpse of the venue transformation, while celebrating the countdown to the event.
The Padel Invitational presented by UBS is a first-of-its-kind sports, culture and entertainment event that will bring one of the world's fastest-growing sports to the heart of Sydney, with the Sydney Opera House set to host elite athletes, celebrities, fans and local competitors across a weekend of competition and entertainment.
Staged on a custom-built court on the Northern Broadwalk overlooking Sydney Harbour, the event will bring together some of the sport’s biggest names in a unique showcase delivered in collaboration with Premier Padel, the sport's official global professional tour, and the International Padel Federation (FIP).
Eight international players from Spain, Argentina and Great Britain join Rafter, bringing decades of championship success alongside some of the sport's most exciting emerging talent.
Among the headline names are padel legends Juan Martín Díaz (ARG) and Alejandra Salazar (ESP), two icons whose careers have helped define the modern era of padel.
Retired legend Díaz is the most decorated right-side player in padel’s history after spending 13 consecutive years as the world No.1. Salazar, meanwhile, continues to compete on the Premier Padel tour in what will be her final professional season. The most successful player in women's padel history, she has won 59 career titles and spent four seasons as world No.1 and claimed a record seven FIP World Championships with Spain.
"It is very special to be part of such an important moment for padel in Australia, particularly during my final season as a professional player,” Salazar said. “Throughout my career, I have seen the sport grow enormously, and being able to play in such an iconic location shows just how far it has come. I hope this event inspires many more people across Australia and the world to discover padel and become part of its future."
They are joined by former world No.1 Maxi Sánchez (ARG), Martín Di Nenno (ARG), FIP No.11 and rising Spanish star Pablo García.
The women's field also features Marina Lobo (ESP), British No.1 Aimee Gibson and reigning Junior World Champion Mar Munuera, one of Spain's brightest emerging talents.
Premier Padel has played a central role in accelerating the professional game, taking the world’s leading male and female players to new audiences around the globe. FIP provides the international framework that connects national federations, rankings, development pathways and international competition. Together with Padel Australia they will help accelerate the sport’s growth and support the development of Australian players.
More than 38 million people now play padel across more than 170 countries, with participation expected to exceed 105 million by 2030, according to the FIP.
The Padel Invitational presented by UBS will feature:
- Celebrity 1 Point Padel, inspired by the hit AO 1 Point Slam
- Professional showcase matches featuring some of the world's best players in collaboration with Premier Padel
- Community court sessions, giving local players the chance to experience the spectacular Sydney Opera House padel court
- The Padel Invitational Finals featuring Australia's leading club competitors
- Live entertainment, food, beverage and partner activations.
Fans can also win the opportunity to play alongside Rafter, Casey Dellacqua and top players on the stunning Sydney Opera House court by registering here.
The Padel Invitational is proudly presented by UBS, a leading global wealth manager and Switzerland’s premier universal bank.
The Padel Invitational presented by UBS is being delivered by Padel Australia and is designed to introduce more Australians to one of the world's fastest-growing sports.
For further media information, please contact:
Prue Ryan, Tennis Australia, pryan@tennis.com.au, +61 419 308 369
Jesse Failla, Tennis Australia, jesse.failla@tennis.com.au, +61 401 864 435