One of the world’s fastest-growing sports is finding a temporary home at one of Sydney’s most iconic landmarks. This August, the Sydney Opera House will transform its Northern Broadwalk into a pop-up padel arena for the inaugural Padel Invitational presented by UBS, bringing international stars, sporting legends, celebrity matches and community competitions to the harbour foreshore.
Held across 15th and 16th August, the two-day event marks the first premium international padel showcase of its kind in Australia, combining elite exhibition matches with live entertainment, food, drinks and free public experiences.
Biggest names in padel are coming to Sydney
The invitational will feature leading men’s and women’s professionals, including Juan Martín Díaz, Martín Di Nenno, Maximiliano “Maxi” Sánchez, Pablo García Rodríguez, Alejandra Salazar, Marina Lobo, Mar Munera and Aimee Gibson.
Australian tennis legends Pat Rafter and Casey Dellacqua will also step onto the custom-built court, with Rafter appearing throughout the weekend in exhibition matches and community events.
“Padel is unlike anything else I’ve played,” 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.”
Celebrity knockouts, pro showcases & free evening events
Saturday kicks off with 1 Point Padel, a knockout tournament where every match is decided by a single point. Inspired by the Australian Open’s 1 Point Slam, the competition will see professional players, celebrities and personalities—including The Inspired Unemployed and Pat Rafter—battle it out in a winner-takes-all format.
The afternoon continues with Premier Padel exhibition matches featuring men’s, women’s and mixed contests before the event opens to the public for Padel Under the Lights. Running from 5:30pm to 9pm, the free afterparty will feature DJs, Australian national team showcases, food and drinks on the harbour.
Finally, on Sunday, the focus shifts to community competitions, more exhibition matches and the Padel Invitational Finals, where players from clubs across Australia will compete after qualifying through local events. The weekend concludes with a free sunset exhibition featuring Rafter alongside international stars.
Here’s why padel has become a global phenomenon
Combining elements of tennis and squash, padel is played in doubles on an enclosed glass court where players can use the walls to keep rallies alive. The smaller playing area creates fast-paced, action-packed matches, while the simple rules make it easy for beginners to pick up.
Moreover, Tom Larner, Chair of Padel Australia, said the event is designed to introduce more Australians to the sport. “The Padel Invitational presented by UBS represents a landmark moment for padel in Australia,” he said.
According to Larner, “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.
Key details
- What: The Padel Invitational presented by UBS
- Where: Northern Broadwalk, Sydney Opera House
- When:
- Saturday, 15 August 2026: Gates open at 10am, ticketed program concludes at 5:30pm, followed by the free Padel Under the Lights afterparty from 5:30pm–9pm (subject to venue capacity).
- Sunday, 16 August 2026: Gates open at 10am, event concludes at 6pm.
- Tickets: From $30-$50
- Suitable for: All ages
