The line-up has been confirmed for the first Padel Invitational presented by UBS, staged at the Sydney Opera House on 15 and 16 August. Matches will be played on a custom-built court on the Northern Broadwalk overlooking Sydney Harbour, in an event delivered by Padel Australia with Premier Padel and the International Padel Federation.
Eight international players from Spain, Argentina and Great Britain join Australian tennis great Pat Rafter. The headline names are Juan Martín Díaz, the retired Argentine who spent thirteen consecutive years as world number one and won 115 titles alongside Fernando Belasteguín, and Alejandra Salazar, who is playing her final professional season at the age of 40 with 59 career titles and seven FIP World Championships behind her.
"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," Salazar said.
Former world number one Maxi Sánchez, Martín Di Nenno, Pablo García, Marina Lobo, British number one Aimee Gibson and reigning Junior World Champion Mar Munera complete the field. The programme includes professional showcase matches, community court sessions and a finals event for Australia's leading club players.
FIP president Luigi Carraro described the event as a step in building momentum ahead of Brisbane 2032, as the federation continues to press for Olympic inclusion.
