One of the world’s fastest growing sports was celebrated this weekend at the iconic Sydney Opera House. 

The new premium global padel exhibition and cultural event, Padel Invitational presented by UBS, transformed the Sydney Opera House into a world-class sporting arena where a custom-built padel court rose on the Northern Broadwalk for a celebration of elite sport, entertainment, community and culture.

The star-studded celebrity showcase including Australian tennis legends Ash Barty and Pat Rafter, star of the hit television show Off Campus Josh Heuston, Gold Logie nominee Todd Woodbridge, internationally renowned supermodel Bambi Northwood-Blyth, ARIA-winning global pop star Ruel, 2026 Olympic gold medallist Cooper Woods, Viral comedy duo and internet sensations The Inspired Unemployed and Marvel Cinematic Universe actress Geraldine Viswanathan - among many others.

Celebrities went head-to-head in the Celebrity 1 Point Padel, where every match was decided by a single point, creating a fun, unpredictable event for fans. 'Made in Bondi' star Lachlan McLean and Premier Padel player Mar Munera claimed victory in the inaugural event.

Community padel took centre stage as players from across Australia travelled to Sydney for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play on the iconic court with Australian tennis legends Pat Rafter and Casey Dellacqua on hand to meet competitors and put them through their paces with a series of warm-up drills players won competitions to earn their place, while others had competed their way through local clubs or were nominated for their performances, coming together for a landmark day for the sport.

Padel has become a global phenomenon, played by more than 35 million people across more than 170 countries, with participation expected to exceed 105 million by 2030, according to the International Padel Federation (FIP).

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