Waldorf Astoria to Transform Grand Ballroom Into Full-Size Tennis Court
Jul 30, 2026
One of New York City’s most storied ballrooms will be transformed into a full-size tennis court during the biggest tennis season of the year.
Waldorf Astoria New York will host the inaugural Waldorf Astoria Racquet Club: Ballroom Tennis Invitational on Aug. 27, bringing Ben Shelton, Tommy Paul, Leylah Fernandez and Maria Sakkari together for an exclusive night of professional tennis beneath the chandeliers of the hotel’s Grand Ballroom.
The four ATP and WTA stars are scheduled to compete in a series of 45-minute singles showcase matches as the historic ballroom trades its dance floor for a baseline. The ticketed event will run from 6 to 10 p.m., just as the tennis world descends on New York for the final Grand Slam of the season.
The Invitational will also serve as the official launch of Waldorf Astoria Racquet Club, a new global platform connecting tennis, padel and other racquet sports with luxury travel, hospitality, style and social experiences.
Image credit: © 2026 Hilton.
According to Waldorf Astoria, the platform is designed for a growing generation of players, fans and travelers who view racquet sports as both competition and culture. The program will build on tennis and padel offerings already available across the brand’s portfolio, including professional-grade courts at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, clay courts at Rome Cavalieri and beachfront tennis at Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah.
“Racquet culture has become one of the most compelling expressions of modern luxury,” said Jamie Kerr, vice president of Luxury Marketing Strategy at Hilton.
The New York event will bring that concept to life inside a venue that has hosted some of the city’s most significant cultural occasions. The Grand Ballroom has previously served as the setting for the first Tony Awards, early editions of the Met Gala and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
On Aug. 27, Shelton, Paul, Fernandez and Sakkari will add live tennis to that history.
“The Grand Ballroom has always been one of New York’s great stages,” said Luigi Romaniello, managing director of Waldorf Astoria New York. “For one night, we are doing something it has never seen before.”
Photo credit: © 2026 Hilton.
The evening will extend well beyond the matches. Guests will have access to a culinary reception featuring Lex Yard, the hotel’s signature restaurant led by four-time James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Anthony.
The hospitality program will include interactive chef stations, premium seafood, tennis-inspired cocktails and Champagne from Moët & Chandon. The hotel will also revive its original Racquet Club cocktail, which will remain available at Lex Yard through Sept. 13.
Ticketed experiences begin at $1,500 and include the exhibition matches, curated food and beverage offerings and player meet-and-greet opportunities. Exclusive event merchandise will also be available for purchase.
Waldorf Astoria is offering several overnight and stay-and-play packages surrounding the Invitational. Select packages include accommodations at the recently restored hotel, breakfast at Lex Yard, access to Guerlain Wellness Spa and tickets to the ballroom exhibition.
A limited number of ticket holders can also purchase an Aug. 28 clinic offering the opportunity to train and rally with a touring ATP or WTA player on the Grand Ballroom court. The most extensive package includes a two-night suite stay, two event tickets, a private one-hour tennis clinic and a spa treatment.
Five percent of net sales proceeds from the event will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, with the Hilton Global Foundation matching the contribution. The initiative supports Hilton’s broader partnership with the organization to expand access to mentorship, career exploration and travel experiences for young people.
The Ballroom Tennis Invitational represents the opening chapter of a broader Waldorf Astoria Racquet Club program expected to move across different destinations, seasons and racquet disciplines. Before the New York event, the platform will make an early appearance through a pop-up experience in Sydney.
Tickets and overnight packages for the Waldorf Astoria Racquet Club: Ballroom Tennis Invitational are available through Waldorf Astoria New York. Participating players, appearances and programming are subject to change.
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Source: Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts. Photo credit (top): © 2026 Hilton.
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