The Waldorf Astoria New York is serving up one of the year’s most unusual sporting events.
On Thursday, August 27, the legendary Manhattan hotel will transform its historic Grand Ballroom into a full-size tennis court for the Ballroom Tennis Invitational.
Instead of galas, dancing and black-tie dinners, the ballroom will host world-class tennis beneath its chandeliers.
The one-night event coincides with the 2026 U.S. Open and brings professional competition into one of New York City’s most glamorous and recognizable rooms.
Professional Tennis Inside a Historic Ballroom
Opened in 1931, the Waldorf Astoria New York has hosted presidents, celebrities, royalty and generations of elaborate social events. Hilton founder Conrad Hilton famously described the property as “The Greatest of Them All.”
Its Grand Ballroom has long been one of the city’s most prestigious event spaces. But it has never previously functioned as a full-size tennis venue.
For the Ballroom Tennis Invitational, the traditional dance floor will make way for baselines, a net and professional competition.
The participating players include:
- Ben Shelton
- Tommy Paul
- Leylah Fernandez
- Maria Sakkari
The combination of elite athletes in an ornate Art Deco setting makes this something far different from an ordinary exhibition match.
“The Grand Ballroom has always been one of New York’s great stages, a room created for moments people remember,” Waldorf Astoria New York Managing Director Luigi Romaniello said in announcing the event.
The goal is to create an experience that feels playful, elegant and distinctly New York: professional tennis presented with the atmosphere of a glamorous night out.
Food, Champagne and Tennis-Inspired Cocktails
The experience extends well beyond the court.
Guests will also enjoy culinary programming showcasing Lex Yard, the Waldorf Astoria’s signature restaurant led by four-time James Beard Award winner Michael Anthony.
The planned offerings include:
- Interactive chef stations
- Food from the Lex Yard culinary team
- Moët & Chandon Champagne
- Tennis-inspired cocktails
- Hospitality experiences throughout the ballroom
The evening is part tennis match, part luxury dining event and part celebration of the newly restored Waldorf Astoria.
Introducing the Waldorf Astoria Racquet Club
The invitational also marks the official debut of the Waldorf Astoria Racquet Club, a new global hospitality program bringing together racquet sports, travel, fashion, food and social experiences.
The program builds upon tennis and padel amenities already available at Waldorf Astoria properties around the world.
According to Hilton, the initiative reflects the growing cultural appeal of tennis and other racquet sports. Tennis, padel and pickleball have increasingly moved beyond recreation to become part of a larger lifestyle encompassing travel, fashion, design, food and social life.
For one night, the Waldorf Astoria will combine:
- World-class professional tennis
- New York architectural history
- Fine dining
- Champagne and specialty cocktails
- Luxury travel and hospitality
- The excitement surrounding the U.S. Open
It is a clever collision of sport and spectacle—and the kind of event that could only make complete sense in New York City.
What: Ballroom Tennis Invitational
When: Thursday, August 26, 2026
Where: Waldorf Astoria (301 Park Ave, New York, NY)
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Homepage
https://www.waldorfastorianewyork.com/ballroom-tennis/
