Waldorf Astoria New York will transform its legendary Grand Ballroom into a full‑size tennis court for one night only on 27 August 2026, marking the debut of Waldorf Astoria Racquet Club, a new global platform celebrating racquet culture across the brand’s luxury portfolio.
The Ballroom Tennis Invitational will bring top ATP and WTA players including Tommy Paul, Ben Shelton, Leylah Fernandez and Maria Sakkari into one of New York’s most storied event spaces for an unprecedented showcase match.
The event introduces Waldorf Astoria’s new racquet‑focused identity, designed to connect the brand’s landmark destinations with a new generation of players, spectators and culturally curious travellers. The Racquet Club platform embraces tennis, padel and the wider world of racquet culture, positioning sport as a modern social occasion woven into luxury hospitality experiences.
For one night, the Grand Ballroom, a space that has hosted the first Tony Awards, early Met Galas and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will trade its dance floor for a baseline, creating what Waldorf Astoria calls “the city’s most unexpected tennis venue” . The evening blends live match play with Champagne, culinary theatre and Waldorf Astoria’s signature sense of occasion, reflecting the brand’s ambition to create moments that feel “playful, elegant and unmistakably New York” as the hotel prepares for its reopening.
Culinary programming will spotlight Lex Yard, the hotel’s signature restaurant led by four‑time James Beard Award winner Chef Michael Anthony, alongside Moët & Chandon, interactive chef stations, tennis‑inspired cocktails and premium seafood offerings . Guerlain Wellness Spa will provide restorative experiences, including an exclusive Art of Longevity wellness assessment tailored to each guest’s goals.
Tickets begin at $1,500, with packages offering match access, curated dining, signature beverage experiences, meet‑and‑greets, exclusive merchandise and limited‑edition tennis clinics. A suite of stay‑and‑play packages includes overnight accommodation, breakfast at Lex Yard, spa treatments and private clinics led by ATP or WTA players on the Grand Ballroom court.
Five percent of net sales will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, with the Hilton Global Foundation matching the contribution as part of Hilton’s nationwide partnership supporting mentorship and hospitality career exploration for young people and their families.
The Racquet Club platform builds on existing tennis and padel experiences across Waldorf Astoria properties worldwide from professional‑grade courts in the Maldives to celebrated clay courts in Rome and sunset tennis in Dubai and will expand through seasonal activations, including an upcoming pop‑up in Sydney.
