Waldorf Astoria Racquet Club is making its official debut with a high-profile event in New York City, bringing world-class tennis into the Grand Ballroom of Waldorf Astoria New York. The Waldorf Astoria Racquet Club: Ballroom Tennis Invitational will transform the hotel’s legendary event space into a full-size tennis court for one night only on August 27, 2026. Top players from the ATP and WTA, including Tommy Paul, Ben Shelton, Leylah Fernandez, and Maria Sakkari, are set to compete beneath the hotel’s famous chandeliers.
A Historic Space for a Modern Game
The Grand Ballroom has long served as a stage for defining cultural moments, from the first Tony Awards and early Met Galas to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. The hotel’s managing director, Luigi Romaniello, described the room as a space for moments people remember, noting that the upcoming event will bring world-class tennis beneath the chandeliers for the first time in its history. The venue’s transformation reflects the brand’s strategy to create “only-at-Waldorf-Astoria” moments that blend sport, style, and hospitality.
This event is the first chapter of a new global platform called Waldorf Astoria Racquet Club, which aims to connect the brand’s landmark destinations with a new generation of players and culturally curious travelers. The platform builds on existing racquet offerings across the portfolio, such as padel courts at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi and clay courts at Rome Cavalieri. Dino Michael, senior vice president and category head for Hilton Luxury Brands, emphasized that the event is about creating places and experiences with a sense of occasion.
Racquet culture has become a significant expression of modern luxury, merging sport, style, and social life. The Ballroom Tennis Invitational offers guests a chance to experience this fusion through a curated evening of culinary programming and live matches. The event will feature “appointment cocktailing” from the original Waldorf Bar, reviving the Racquet Club cocktail and serving other signature drinks like the Arctic and Rob Roy.
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Culinary and Wellness Offerings
Culinary programming will be led by Lex Yard, the hotel’s signature restaurant helmed by four-time James Beard Award winner Chef Michael Anthony. Guests can expect interactive chef stations, premium seafood, and limited-time offerings like the Lobster Club, which features crispy bacon, Little Gem lettuce, and heirloom tomatoes. Champagne House Moët & Chandon will also be present, providing drinks and a celebratory atmosphere for attendees.
Wellness will play a central role in the guest experience, with the Guerlain Wellness Spa offering an exclusive Art of Longevity wellness assessment tailored to individual goals. The spa will provide a curated selection of beauty and wellness offerings to help guests recover after the event. Ticketed experiences begin at $1,500 and include access to the live matches, culinary reception, and player meet-and-greets.
The event includes a Champions’ Grand Ballroom Tennis Clinic add-on, available exclusively to ticket holders. This intimate on-court experience allows guests to train and rally with a top ATP or WTA player inside the Grand Ballroom. Packages range from general access to multi-night stays, with options for Hilton Honors American Express card members to redeem Bonus Points for exclusive packages. Proceeds from the event will support Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, with Hilton matching the contribution.
