One of the world's fastest-growing sports is coming to one of Australia's most iconic landmarks, with the inaugural Padel Invitational presented by UBS transforming the Sydney Opera House into a world-class sporting arena this August.
A custom-built padel court will rise on the Northern Broadwalk overlooking Sydney Harbour on 15-16 August, where some of the world’s best padel players, celebrities, fans and Australia’s leading club competitors will come together for a weekend celebration of elite sport, entertainment, community and culture.
Leading the charge is beloved sporting hero Pat Rafter, the former world No.1 tennis player, now one of padel's most passionate advocates and a bona fide member of the Aussie Crocs, Australia’s national padel team.
"Padel is unlike anything else I've played," Pat Rafter said. "It's fast, dynamic, incredibly entertaining to watch and fun and social to play. Once you try it, you understand why millions of people around the world have fallen in love with it.
"To be able to showcase the sport at the Sydney Opera House is pretty special. It's one of the most recognisable locations in the world, and we're bringing some of the best players on the planet here to show Australians what padel is all about."
What is padel?
Padel has become a global phenomenon, played by more than 38 million people across more than 170 countries, with participation expected to exceed 105 million by 2030, according to the International Padel Federation (FIP).
Played as doubles – men, women and mixed - on an enclosed glass court, padel is a fun and highly social game combining the best elements of tennis and squash. The surrounding walls ensure the ball remains in play, creating long rallies, spectacular sharp angles and an exciting, fast-paced spectacle that is easy to enjoy and learn.
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.
Tickets start at $30 and are available today from 11am AEST via the Sydney Opera House website.
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.
Tom Larner, Chair, Padel Australia:
"The Padel Invitational presented by UBS represents a landmark moment for padel in Australia.
“We’re bringing the world’s fastest growing racquet sport to one of the world’s most recognisable stages, giving Australians the chance to experience the excitement of padel up close.
"Whether you're a tennis player, a sports fan or someone who has never picked up a racquet, padel is easy to learn, incredibly social and a lot of fun. Our ambition is simple – we want to inspire more people to discover the sport, play it and help build a thriving padel community across Australia.”
Andrew Bird, Head of UBS Global Wealth Management Australia:
“We are delighted to be the Presenting Partner of the Padel Invitational presented by UBS, bringing to Sydney a sport that has captured the attention of millions around the world."
“Padel has a natural connection with the UBS brand, where we have had the privilege of bringing the game to life so far through events in Hong Kong, Singapore, Miami and the Hamptons.
“This event reflects an exciting chapter in our Craft of Sport series as we aim to create meaningful, high-impact experiences for our clients and the broader community through sports that blend social energy with strategy.
“We’re looking forward to being a part of padel’s growth story in Australia and welcoming everyone to experience it at one of Australia’s most iconic locations.”
Luigi Carraro, President of the International Padel Federation:
“The International Padel Federation (FIP) is committed to growing padel around the world, and Premier Padel plays a vital role by bringing the world’s best players to new audiences.
“Creating a padel event at the Sydney Opera House is a powerful way to showcase the sport on an iconic stage, and with Brisbane 2032 on the horizon, build momentum towards our long-term Olympic ambition.”
Nick Sloman, Executive Producer, The Padel Invitational presented by UBS
“Around the world, premium brands are embracing padel because it brings together sport, lifestyle and culture in a unique way, and we're delighted to announce UBS as our founding presenting partner.
“The Padel Invitational presented by UBS has been created to accelerate growth by introducing more Australians to the sport through an unforgettable experience at the Sydney Opera House, one of the world’s most iconic venues.
“Our vision is simple - to create the world’s most iconic padel event - placing padel firmly on Australia's sporting and entertainment landscape.”