Tennis & Padel

6Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Events, Tennis & Padel, The Americas

After return to London, tennis’ Laver Cup will head to Los Angeles in 2027

Los Angeles has been confirmed as host city for the 10th edition of the Laver Cup, with the three-day men's team tennis competition set to take place at Intuit Dome in Inglewood from 24-26 September 2027. The tournament will arrive in California a year after the Laver Cup returns to London, where The O2 will host the 2026 edition from 25-27 September. For travelling tennis fans, Los Angeles promises a very different setting for the competition – and another opportunity to combine world-class sport with a city break in one of the world's biggest entertainment destinations. It will also form part of an extraordinary period for sports tourism in Los Angeles. After hosting matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the city will also host Super Bowl LXI in 2027 and the Olympic and Paralympi...

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24Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Tennis & Padel, Trends

Tennis travel kit: I play with Jack Draper’s racket – the Dunlop FX 500 Tour (2026)

For sports travellers, few things beat the chance to test the same equipment used at the highest level of the game. Ramy James Salameh gets his hands on Dunlop's FX 500 Tour Series racket and a set of AO Balls to put them both through their paces... Famous sporting brand ambassadors are hard to ignore, we see them delivering at the elite level and want to emulate them. Certainly, this is no more prevalent than in tennis. A game where technique and footwork must be on-point, alongside, balance, dexterity and artistry with the racket. Dunlop have British tennis sensation Jack Draper on their books, a strapping 6’4” player who already has three-career titles under his belt and been ranked as high as number 4 in the world. And maybe like Matteo Berrettini and Gregor Dimitrov has those fi...

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22Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Event Calendars, Events, Tennis & Padel

Tennis 2026 events calendar: next grand slam and big tournaments

In this 2026 tennis events calendar we start by taking a look at the dates of the four grand slams – plus the big ATP 1000 and WTA 1000 tournaments and the team competitions being held around the world. The next tennis grand slam, the fourth and final major of the year, is the US Open from 30 August to 13 September 2026 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City. The ATP and WTA tours span the globe with key stops like Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid, and Rome, along with thrilling year-end championships: the ATP Finals in Turin and the WTA Finals in Riyadh. Team competitions will add to the drama, with the United Cup in Australia kicking off the year, followed by the Billie Jean King Cup, Laver Cup and Davis Cup. Top image: PxHere.com Other sports calend...

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20Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Asia & Oceania, Bucket List, Tennis & Padel, Trips & Experiences

Sports travel bucket list: padel retreat at Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa

Could this be the perfect pre-Christmas gift for padel lovers? Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa is hosting The Maldives Padel Retreat from 13-23 December 2026. Led by former world No.1, Juani Mieres, the retreat invites guests to refine their game with a legend of the sport while embracing the pleasures of island life. The 10-day retreat brings together expert coaching on a state-of-the-art padel court overlooking the turquoise lagoon, island discovery and a curated programme of wellness, recreation and exploration. Widely regarded as one of the sport's most respected figures, Mieres reached world No.1 and won multiple World Championship and World Padel Tour titles. Known as "The Gentleman of Padel" for his elegant playing style and precision, Mieres will open up his playbook, g...

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29Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Asia & Oceania, Bucket List, Hotels & Resorts, Tennis & Padel

Sports travel bucket list: padel with Martita Ortega at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

What could be better than a luxury escape to the Maldives? How about spending it on court with one of the world's greatest padel players? This August, guests at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi will have the rare opportunity to train alongside former world No.1 Martita Ortega during an exclusive two-day residency in partnership with LUX Tennis. Taking place from 18-19 August 2026, the limited-availability experience combines elite coaching with one of the world's most spectacular island destinations, giving padel enthusiasts the chance to sharpen their game while learning directly from one of the sport's biggest stars. Ortega made history in 2019 by becoming the youngest player ever to reach the World No.1 ranking on the World Padel Tour, a record she still holds. Known for her...

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9Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Europe, Hotels & Resorts, Tennis & Padel, Trends, Trips & Experiences

Tennis travel: Europe’s best resorts and hotels for tennis holidays

Tennis is no longer just a sport people play when they arrive at a resort. Increasingly, it is the reason they book the trip in the first place.  As sports-focused travel continues to grow, tennis holidays are emerging as one of the fastest-growing segments of the luxury travel market. From dedicated coaching programmes and professional-level academies to tournament experiences and wellness-focused recovery facilities, travellers are increasingly choosing destinations based on the quality of the courts as much as the quality of the hotel.  Industry reports point to a rise in destination-driven travel centred around sport, with tennis joining golf as one of the key activities inspiring holiday decisions. The growing popularity of racket sports has not gone unnoticed by the h...

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6Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Europe, Hotels & Resorts, Sports Business, Tennis & Padel

Aphrodite Hills Resort in Cyprus unveils its new Racket Club

Aphrodite Hills Resort has strengthened its reputation as one of Europe's leading sports tourism destinations with the opening of its new Racket Club, part of a wider investment programme across the luxury Cyprus resort.  Officially unveiled in May 2026, the fully renovated facility features upgraded tennis and padel courts, contemporary changing rooms, a dedicated retail space and a new Healthy Bar serving wellness-focused food and drinks. The development forms part of a broader enhancement strategy that also includes an upgraded gym, new dining concepts and continued investment in the resort's golf facilities. Nestled along Cyprus's southwestern coast near Paphos, Aphrodite Hills is a luxury integrated resort combining world-class sport, wellness, accommodation and leisure exp...

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5Jun By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Europe, Hotels & Resorts, Tennis & Padel, Trends

Tennis travel: Mouratoglou Tennis Center opens at Mandarin Oriental Bodrum

Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum has unveiled the opening of the Mouratoglou Tennis Center at the resort. The inauguration was attended by Patrick Mouratoglou, founder of the globally renowned Mouratoglou brand and one of the most influential figures in professional tennis.  Following an opening ceremony, a full programme of high-energy tennis and padel matches created a vibrant atmosphere. Turkish tennis icon İpek Soylu was among the guests, with figures such as Zeynep Tuğçe Bayat, Anıl Altan, Ece Sükan and Cansel Elçin, all coming together to share in the excitement of this event. And as the sun set over the Aegean Sea, the celebrations culminated in an exclusive gala dinner.  The Mouratoglou Tennis Center selected Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum to be its sole and long-term location ...

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28Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Europe, Hotels & Resorts, Tennis & Padel, Trends

Tennis travel: Rafa Nadal Tennis Center at Don Carlos Marbella

With the tennis season in full swing, players and fans alike are seeking destinations where they can enjoy their favourite sport.  In southern Spain, the five-star Don Carlos Marbella serves up a Mediterranean resort that is anchored by elite tennis. Set along the Costa del Sol, the property combines beachfront relaxation with structured, academy-level training.  At its core is Spain’s first Rafa Nadal Tennis Center, positioning the resort as a must-visit for sports travellers looking to sharpen their game while enjoying one of Europe’s most iconic coastal escapes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kg_-Sb5VAjA Rafa Nadal Tennis Center: a flagship for tennis tourism The defining feature of Don Carlos Marbella is its Rafa Nadal Tennis Center – the first of its kind in Spa...

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13Feb By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Middle East & Gulf, Sports Business, Tennis & Padel, Venues & Stadiums

Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships unveil venue expansion plans

The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships has unveiled plans for an extensive two-phase redevelopment that will transform the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium and surrounding Aviation Club Tennis Complex. Initial enhancements will debut at the 2026 edition in February, with the full transformation completed ahead of the 2027 Championships. Designed to elevate the player experience and enhance fan engagement, the expansion marks the most significant upgrade to the Al Garhoud venue in its 30-year history. The redesign, which is being led by specialist stadium design consultancy BDP Pattern and with Turner & Townsend as project managers, positions the Championships as a tournament reflective of Dubai’s global reputation as a world-class host city for international sporting events.  ...

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2Nov By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Asia & Oceania, Bucket List, Tennis & Padel, Trends, Trips & Experiences

Sports travel bucket list: a women’s padel-wellness retreat in Bali   

Padel and wellness, two of the fastest-growing trends in sport and active travel, are the focus of a new experience hosted by Goddess Retreats. The Padel Goddess Retreat in Seminyak, Bali, is the world’s first women-only padel, yoga, and wellness retreat – and one of the most exciting new additions to our global sports travel bucket list. Blending professional padel coaching with yoga, cultural rituals, unlimited spa treatments and boutique villa living, this seven-day, six-night all-inclusive retreat invites guests to play, connect and reset in a vibrant, supportive setting. Whether you're a curious beginner or a committed padel fan, this Bali getaway delivers movement, mindfulness and meaningful community in paradise. Why padel and wellness is the next big trend Padel’s rise isn...

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14Sep By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Tennis & Padel

Property+Padel: redefining corporate networking through sport

What happens when you mix the world’s fastest-growing sport with the dynamic energy of global business? The answer is Property+Padel, a fresh, high-energy corporate networking platform that’s bringing together professionals from real estate, finance, private equity, fintech, insurance, legal, media and sport. At its core, the concept is simple yet effective. Corporate teams step onto the padel court to battle it out for the ‘Corporate Padel Cup’. But the real game extends far beyond the glass walls. Off court, competitors and cross-industry leaders gather to connect, collaborate and spark new business opportunities in a uniquely social setting. Behind this fast-rising platform are co-founders Rohit Grewal and Ben Nichols, who fused their backgrounds in real estate and international s...

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25Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Tennis & Padel

Explora Journeys names Jannik Sinner as brand ambassador 

Explora Journeys, the luxury lifestyle ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, has announced a partnership with four-time tennis grand slam champion Jannik Sinner, who becomes the brand's new ambassador. At the heart of this collaboration is The Ocean State of Mind, Explora Journeys' guiding ethos – a philosophy inspired by the sea and its ability to create calm, clarity, and connection. For Italian star Sinner, 24, these values are essential to his performance: balance to navigate high-pressure moments, resilience to recover, and the ability to remain grounded in the constant pursuit of improvement. This alignment reflects a shared understanding that excellence is not only about results, but also about process, authenticity, and wellbeing.  "I'm honoured to join Explora Journeys as the...

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18Aug By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Editor's Pick, Tennis & Padel, Trips & Experiences

Sports travel bucket list: padel and tennis at The Datai Langkawi in Malaysia 

The Datai Langkawi has partnered with LUX Tennis to bring world-class tennis and padel coaching experiences to the iconic Malaysian rainforest resort – making it the first resort in Langkawi to introduce padel courts.  Through its partnership with LUX Tennis, the resort further enhances its existing activity offering with bespoke sporting experiences, including premium coaching and tailored programmes. Nestled within the enchanting rainforest surroundings of The Els Club Teluk Datai, The Datai Langkawi's tennis and padel facilities provide the perfect setting for guests to elevate their game, refine their skills, compete against a professional, or simply enjoy an exhilarating match in a breathtaking natural setting.  Stéphane Duvacher, general manager of The Datai Langkawi, said...

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27Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Hotels & Resorts, Tennis & Padel

Sports travel bucket list: play tennis on a floating court at a French château

As if staying at a 13th century château in France was not idyllic enough, tennis lovers are in for a real treat at Domaine des Étangs, Auberge Resorts Collection in Massignac. The property in the Charente region in south west France is home to a floating tennis court, gracefully placed on a tranquil pond near the swimming pool.  Exemplifying the Domaine’s ethos – blending luxury with whimsy, seamlessly integrated into its natural, art-filled setting – the floating tennis court has been widely featured as one of the world’s most beautiful and unique tennis courts. Giving the chance to “play a match on water”, this unique facility also offers spectator viewing benches, shaded by trees, so guests can enjoy the action in comfort. Other activities for guests to enjoy include walks ar...

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15Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Editor's Pick, Events, Sports Business, Tennis & Padel

The Sports Tourism Blog: why Wimbledon is the undisputed champion of tennis slams

With another Wimbledon championships coming to a close, tennis fans around the world have a slightly empty feeling, writes Ramy James Salameh. It's a feeling that's similar to finishing a good book and waiting for the next page-turner to arrive, especially that first Monday morning after the weekend climax of the finals. One thing to help fill the void though, is the continued communications from The All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club that drops into your inbox and dissects the championship by numbers. As a tennis fan and player, it is not the amount of strawberries and cream sold that peaks my attention, but the stats related to the on-court action. The glitter and sequins could have barely been swept up after the Wimbledon Champion’s Ball and the club’s data boffins hav...

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2Jul By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Tennis & Padel

Playtomic Global Padel Report 2025: ‘the global sport of the future’

With games being played on the beaches of Dubai to the parks of California, there’s no doubting that padel is now the world’s fastest-growing sport. The newly released Playtomic Global Padel Report 2025, published in partnership with PwC’s Strategy&, paints a dynamic picture of a sport on the rise – powered by technology, community, and unprecedented international interest. A court-building boom Padel’s growth is nothing short of explosive. In 2024 alone, more than 3,282 new clubs and 7,000 courts sprang up worldwide – that’s about nine clubs opening every day. The global court count has now soared past 50,000, with a projected 81,555 expected by 2027. What was once a niche European pastime is now played in over 90 countries, with hot spots emerging in the UAE, Mexico, the UK, Po...

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17May By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Sports Business, Tennis & Padel

US tennis ace Jessica Pegula named World of Hyatt ambassador

Hyatt Hotels Corporation’s World of Hyatt loyalty program has welcomed American tennis star Jessica Pegula as its newest ambassador, bringing her passion for excellence and travel to the World of Hyatt portfolio.  Through this collaboration, Pegula will offer exclusive insights into elite tennis travel, showcase Park Hyatt hotels around the world, and provide World of Hyatt members with unique opportunities to engage with the sport at the highest level. Pegula said: "I'm thrilled to join World of Hyatt as its newest ambassador. When you're on the road for nearly 10 months a year, finding a place that feels like a true home-away-from-home makes all the difference. The spacious accommodations at Park Hyatt hotels give me the freedom to keep up with my workouts and even enjoy a spa...

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1Apr By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Europe, Golf, Hotels & Resorts, Other sports, Tennis & Padel, Trips & Experiences

Sports travel bucket list: Europe’s best sports resorts and hotels

Europe is renowned for its stunning landscapes, cultural richness, and world-class hospitality, making it a top destination for sports travellers. Across the continent, luxury sports resorts and hotels cater to adventurers, athletes, and active holidaymakers, offering exceptional facilities and diverse activities for all skill levels. From the sun-drenched Mediterranean coasts to the snow-capped Alps, Europe’s sports resorts are uniquely positioned in some of the most breathtaking locations.  Travellers can enjoy a variety of sporting experiences and activities tailored to their passions. For golf enthusiasts, many resorts boast championship-standard courses designed by legendary architects, complemented by state-of-the-art practice facilities. Similarly, Europe’s best ski resorts ...

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27Mar By Sports Tourism NewsNo Comments

Bucket List, Europe, Hotels & Resorts, Tennis & Padel

Sports travel bucket list: Marcos Baghdatis Tennis Academy in Cyprus

Tennis star and former world No.8, Marcos Baghdatis, was back in Wimbledon recently – not to play on the hallowed courts, but to showcase his tennis academy. Guests were treated to an hour-long Q&A with the Cypriot, who opened up about the highs and lows of his sparkling career, which saw him reach the Australian Open final and the Wimbledon semi-finals in 2006. He also discussed the evolution of his tennis academy, which is integrated within the City of Dreams Mediterranean, a luxury resort in Limassol that is redefining Cyprus's lifestyle and sports offering. The 12-court facility provides high-level coaching from a team hand-picked by Baghdatis, who intends to lead some training sessions himself, as he aims to spend 75% of his time at the academy. As a popular player...

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