- Waldorf Astoria New York’s legendary Grand Ballroom will transform into a full-size tennis court beneath the chandeliers for one night only on August 27, 2026, with top ATP and WTA players including Tommy Paul, Ben Shelton, Leylah Fernandez and Maria Sakkari.
- The event marks the official debut of Waldorf Astoria Racquet Club, the brand’s new global platform embracing the world of racquet culture through extraordinary destinations, distinctive hospitality and experiences timed to some of the world’s most celebrated sporting and social moments.
- Tickets and overnight packages are now available, with experiences spanning live showcase match play, curated culinary offerings, signature beverage experiences, player meet-and-greet opportunities, exclusive tennis clinics, restorative experiences at Guerlain Wellness Spa and exclusive Hilton Honors Experiences.
NEW YORK — Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts announced today Waldorf Astoria Racquet Club: Ballroom Tennis Invitational, an unprecedented celebration of tennis, style and hospitality at Waldorf Astoria New York. The event marks the official debut of Waldorf Astoria Racquet Club, the brand’s new global platform embracing the world of racquet culture through extraordinary destinations, distinctive hospitality and experiences timed to some of the world’s most celebrated sporting and social moments. Building on the exceptional tennis, padel and racquet offerings already found across the Waldorf Astoria portfolio, the platform will connect the brand’s landmark destinations with a new generation of players, spectators and culturally curious travelers. Designed for a new era of sport-as-social-occasion, Waldorf Astoria Racquet Club brings the elegance of Waldorf Astoria to the courtside world, from tennis to padel and beyond.
For one night only on August 27, 2026, Waldorf Astoria New York’s legendary Grand Ballroom will transform into a full-size tennis court beneath the chandeliers, trading its dance floor for the baseline and turning one of New York’s most storied gathering spaces into the city’s most unexpected tennis venue. The Ballroom Tennis Invitational brings the platform to life in grand New York fashion, blending showcase matches, Champagne, culinary theatre and the brand’s signature sense of elegant service in a moment that could only happen at Waldorf Astoria. Culinary programming will spotlight Lex Yard, Waldorf Astoria New York’s signature restaurant helmed by four-time James Beard Award winner Chef Michael Anthony, alongside Champagne House Moët & Chandon, interactive chef stations, tennis-inspired cocktails, premium seafood and limited-time offerings.
The Grand Ballroom has long served as a stage for defining moments in culture, from the first Tony Awards and some of the earliest Met Galas to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. On August 27, it will add another first to that legacy, hosting live tennis beneath its chandeliers for the first time. Top Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) and Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) players including Tommy Paul, Ben Shelton, Leylah Fernandez and Maria Sakkari will take to the court, bringing the energy of New York’s late-summer tennis season into one of the city’s most storied gathering spaces.
“The Grand Ballroom has always been one of New York’s great stages, a room created for moments people remember,” said Luigi Romaniello, managing director, Waldorf Astoria New York. “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.”
Beginning at $1,500, ticketed experiences include live showcase match play, curated culinary offerings, signature beverage experiences, player meet-and-greet opportunities along with exclusive event merchandise, which will be available for purchase. A limited collection of stay-and-play packages is also available, featuring spacious accommodations at Waldorf Astoria New York, exclusive tennis clinics and restorative experiences at the hotel’s Guerlain Wellness Spa. Five percent of net sales proceeds from the event will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, with the contribution matched by the Hilton Global Foundation. The support builds on Hilton’s recently announced nationwide partnership with the organization to expand access to mentorship, hospitality career exploration and transformative travel experiences for young people and their families.
“Conrad Hilton famously called Waldorf Astoria New York ‘The Greatest of Them All,’ and that idea has always been bigger than one address. It speaks to the spirit of Waldorf Astoria itself: creating places and experiences with a sense of occasion, a sense of story and a point of view that people remember.”
“Conrad Hilton famously called Waldorf Astoria New York ‘The Greatest of Them All,’ and that idea has always been bigger than one address. It speaks to the spirit of Waldorf Astoria itself: creating places and experiences with a sense of occasion, a sense of story and a point of view that people remember,” said Dino Michael, senior vice president and category head, Hilton Luxury Brands. “With Waldorf Astoria Racquet Club, we are bringing that spirit into a new space for the brand, where sport, culture and hospitality meet in ways that feel elegant, social and wonderfully unexpected. The Ballroom Tennis Invitational is the beginning of that story, and exactly the kind of only-at-Waldorf-Astoria moment that shows where the brand is headed.”
The launch builds on a distinctive world of racquet experiences already found across the Waldorf Astoria portfolio, from professional-grade tennis and padel courts at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi to the celebrated clay courts at Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, and sunset tennis beside the private beach at Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah. Ahead of the Ballroom Tennis Invitational, Waldorf Astoria Racquet Club will also make an early appearance through a pop-up experience in Sydney, bringing the platform into one of the world’s fastest-growing racquet communities. Together, these expressions connect exceptional on-property play with the wider culture surrounding the sport, creating a global program that moves across destinations, disciplines and seasons.
“Racquet culture has become one of the most compelling expressions of modern luxury, where sport, style, travel and social life all move in the same orbit,” said Jamie Kerr, vice president, Luxury Marketing Strategy, Hilton. “Waldorf Astoria Racquet Club is our way of entering that world with a distinct point of view, building on the exceptional tennis and padel experiences already found across our portfolio and creating moments that feel timely, surprising and unmistakably Waldorf Astoria. Ballroom Tennis is the first chapter of a global program that will continue to evolve across destinations and seasons.”
Waldorf Astoria Racquet Club Ballroom Tennis Invitational
Waldorf Astoria New York - Backhand Ballroom
Experience Waldorf Astoria Racquet Club: Ballroom Tennis Invitational
Tickets and overnight packages for the Waldorf Astoria Ballroom Tennis Invitational are now available, offering guests a range of ways to be a part of the event, from courtside-style access to multi-night stays and immersive play experiences.
- Tennis Under the Chandeliers General Access: The signature ticketed event from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. offers guests entry to the Waldorf Astoria Ballroom Tennis Invitational, where top ATP and WTA players, including Tommy Paul, Ben Shelton, Leylah Fernandez, and Maria Sakkari, will compete in live matches in the Grand Ballroom.
- Guests will enjoy a one-of-a-kind culinary reception where classic Waldorf Astoria refinement rallies with the playful energy of the court through high-low pairings, interactive chef stations, indulgent bites, premium seafood and Champagne from Moët & Chandon.
- Guerlain Wellness Spa will elevate the guest experience with a curated selection of its signature beauty and wellness offerings, highlighted by an exclusive Art of Longevity wellness assessment tailored to each guest's individual goals.
- The beverage program draws on the original Waldorf Bar’s tradition of “appointment cocktailing,” creating drinks for the moments shaping culture, from the Arctic cocktail honoring Peary’s North Pole expedition to the now-iconic Rob Roy. For Waldorf Astoria Racquet Club, the hotel is reviving its original Racquet Club cocktail, bringing a distinctly Waldorf Astoria ritual into the present. The cocktail will be available at Lex Yard through September 13.
- Lex Yard will also feature the Lobster Club as a limited-time special with crispy bacon, Little Gem lettuce and heirloom tomatoes.
- Champions’ Grand Ballroom Tennis Clinic Add-On: Available exclusively to ticket holders, this intimate on-court experience offers guests the rare opportunity to train and rally with a top ATP or WTA player inside the Grand Ballroom. Each clinic includes on-court play for two guests, light food and beverage service, and a commemorative photo opportunity. Available August 28, 2026, with limited clinics offered.
- The Perfect Match: Waldorf Astoria Ballroom Tennis Invitational Overnight Stay: This overnight package pairs a stay at Waldorf Astoria New York with two tickets to the Waldorf Astoria Ballroom Tennis Invitational, breakfast at Lex Yard, a welcome amenity, and full access to the evening’s culinary and match programming.
- Stay, Spectate & Play: The Ultimate Waldorf Astoria Grand Ballroom Tennis Experience: The most immersive of the offerings, this two-night premium package includes suite accommodations, two tickets to the Ballroom Tennis Invitational, and access to the full culinary and hospitality program. Guests also receive a private one-hour tennis clinic led by a touring ATP or WTA player on the Grand Ballroom court, followed by a spa treatment at Guerlain Wellness Spa and a curated collection of commemorative amenities. The experience blends performance, play and recovery in a single luxury itinerary.
Hilton Honors American Express Consumer and Business Card Members have access to exclusive packages, which can be redeemed using Hilton Honors Bonus Points. Packages are available on a limited basis while supplies last, with a maximum of five packages per Hilton Honors Member each calendar year. Visit Hilton Honors Experiences to learn more.
Tickets and overnight packages are now available at https://www.waldorfastorianewyork.com/ballroom-tennis/. Read more about Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts at stories.hilton.com/waldorfastoria.
Participating players, appearances, schedules and programming are subject to change.
FAQ: Waldorf Astoria Serves Up Tennis Beneath the Chandeliers
Waldorf Astoria Racquet Club: Ballroom Tennis Invitational is an unprecedented celebration of tennis, style and hospitality at Waldorf Astoria New York. For one night only, the hotel’s legendary Grand Ballroom will transform into a full-size tennis court beneath the chandeliers, blending showcase matches, Champagne, culinary theatre and the brand’s signature sense of elegant service.
Top Association of Tennis Professionals and Women’s Tennis Association players including Tommy Paul, Ben Shelton, Leylah Fernandez and Maria Sakkari will take to the court in a series of 45-minute singles showcase matches.
Waldorf Astoria Racquet Club: Ballroom Tennis Invitational will take place on August 27, 2026, at Waldorf Astoria New York. The signature ticketed event will run from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the hotel’s legendary Grand Ballroom.
Waldorf Astoria Racquet Club brings the elegance of Waldorf Astoria to the courtside world, from tennis to padel and beyond. Designed for a new era of sport-as-social-occasion, the platform will connect the brand’s landmark destinations with a new generation of players, spectators and culturally curious travelers.
Tickets and overnight packages are now available, offering guests a range of ways to be a part of the event, from courtside-style access to multi-night stays and immersive play experiences. Ticketed experiences begin at $1,500 and include live showcase match play, curated culinary offerings, signature beverage experiences and player meet-and-greet opportunities, along with exclusive event merchandise available for purchase.
About Hilton
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 28 world-class brands comprising more than 9,400 properties and nearly 1.4 million rooms, in 144 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed over 4 billion guests in its more than 100-year history. Named as the No. 1 World’s Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune, Hilton aims to create the best culture for its 500,000 team members around the world. Hilton has introduced industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the more than 260 million Hilton Honors members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can't buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit stories.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
About Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts is an award-winning portfolio of 40 iconic properties, each embodying a distinct sense of place through sincerely elegant service, one-of-a-kind experiences and culinary mastery in landmark destinations around the world. The highly anticipated reopening of Waldorf Astoria New York marked a defining moment for the brand - reintroducing a legend while ushering in a new era of luxury. Inspired by their timeless environments, Waldorf Astoria hotels deliver an effortless experience seamlessly, creating a true sense of place for guests through stunning architecture, the famous Peacock Alley, refined art collections, Michelin-starred dining and elevated in-room amenities. In addition to the brand’s world-class hotel offerings, Waldorf Astoria boasts a global residential portfolio that provides the comfort of a private home combined with unsurpassed amenities and high-touch service. Waldorf Astoria is part of Hilton, a leading global hospitality company. Experience an unforgettable stay at Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts by booking at waldorfastoria.com or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts at stories.hilton.com/waldorfastoria, and follow the brand on X and Instagram.
About Waldorf Astoria New York
Waldorf Astoria New York has been a fixture of New York City society for more than a century, earning its place as a beacon of sophistication and elegance in the cultural capital of the world. When the hotel opened in 1931, it had such grandeur that Hilton founder Conrad Hilton declared the property “The Greatest of Them All.” Following complete transformation led by renowned architects, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, with interior design by Pierre-Yves Rochon, the property retains the scale and beauty of the original Art Deco architecture reimagined with fresh contemporary furnishings that pay homage to the original Waldorf Astoria New York while ushering in a new era for the hotel and building upon Conrad Hilton's vision. The 375-room hotel features some of Manhattan’s largest rooms and suites that embody the spirit of New York. Above the hotel sits 372 private residences, ranging from studios to four bedrooms, with interiors designed by Jean-Louis Deniot and access to 50,000-square-feet of amenities. In addition, hotel guests, residents and visitors have access to a holistic wellness program, including a state-of-the-art fitness center along with Guerlain Wellness Spa spanning 22,000 square feet. Unmatched culinary offerings include Lex Yard, a standout signature restaurant helmed by acclaimed Chef Michael Anthony, the return of Peacock Alley in partnership with renowned Mixologist Jeff Bell and Yoshoku, a Japanese dining experience. The property also features 43,000 square feet of modernized event space including a striking new opera-inspired Grand Ballroom set to be the crown jewel of New York City’s entertainment scene. Visit waldorfastorianewyork.com for more information or follow the hotel on Instagram at @waldorfnyc and on Facebook at Waldorf Astoria New York.
About Hilton Global Foundation
The Hilton Global Foundation is Hilton’s primary philanthropic arm, supporting the company’s Travel with Purpose strategy to drive positive impact and deliver lasting value to the people, hotels and communities where we all live, work and stay. Through grants and partnerships, the Foundation invests in programs that advance destination stewardship, foster career development and strengthen community resilience. Since 2019, it has contributed more than $25 million to organizations around the world and has positively impacted millions of lives. Learn more at hiltonglobalfoundation.hilton.com.