Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts has introduced Waldorf Astoria Racquet Club, a global platform centred on racquet sports, with its debut event set to take place at Waldorf Astoria New York on August 27, 2026.
As part of the launch, the hotel's Grand Ballroom will be converted into a full-size tennis court for the Ballroom Tennis Invitational, featuring ATP and WTA players including Tommy Paul, Ben Shelton, Leylah Fernandez and Maria Sakkari.
The event will combine exhibition matches with culinary experiences, wellness offerings and guest interactions. Ticketed experiences begin at USD 1,500, while overnight packages include accommodation, tennis clinics, spa treatments at Guerlain Wellness Spa and curated hospitality experiences.
Commenting on the launch, Luigi Romaniello, Managing Director, Waldorf Astoria New York, said: "For one night, we are doing something it has never seen before: bringing world-class tennis beneath the chandeliers. It is playful, elegant and unmistakably New York, and it reflects the spirit of Waldorf Astoria New York as we welcome guests back to experience this hotel in new and unexpected ways."
The Racquet Club platform builds on existing tennis and padel facilities across the Waldorf Astoria portfolio, including properties in the Maldives, Rome and Dubai. The company said the initiative aims to combine sport, hospitality and travel experiences across its global destinations, with future activations planned in other markets, including Sydney. |
