Waldorf Astoria Hosts ‘Intimate’ Exhibition with Ben Shelton, Tommy Paul and More on Tennis Courts in its ‘Historic’ Hotel Ballroom

For the first time, a full-size tennis court was built under the chandeliers of the luxury hotel’s Grand Ballroom

NEED TO KNOW

• The Waldorf Astoria in New York City transformed its Grand Ballroom into a tennis court for a one-of-a-kind exhibition featuring top players
• Leylah Fernandez and Tommy Paul won their matches against Maria Sakkari and Ben Shelton, respectively, in front of an A-list audience, including Anna Wintour
• The event, held on Aug. 27 ahead of the 2026 US Open, benefited Big Brothers Big Sisters America

Tennis has never looked so “elegant,” as Canadian tennis star Leylah Fernandez puts it.

On Thursday, Aug. 27, the Waldorf Astoria in New York City held a first-of-its-kind exhibition featuring pros Fernandez, Maria Sakkari, Ben Shelton and Tommy Paul. The hotel constructed a full-size tennis court in its renowned Grand Ballroom, which has hosted Grace Kelly’s engagement celebration, the Tony Awards and early editions of the Met Gala. 

Benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters America, the Waldorf Astoria Tennis Racquet Club: Ballroom Invitational kicked off the night with a culinary and cocktail experience inspired by the sport. Guests then made their way into the venue, filling seats across the floor, mezzanine and balcony to watch Sakkari, 31, take on Fernandez, 23, umpired by former Wimbledon semifinalist Sam Querrey and hosted by Hall of Famer Andy Roddick.

In a close tiebreak set, Fernandez defeated Greece’s Sakkari, 6-5. With wife Paige Lorenze cheering him on, newlywed Paul — who got married on July 14 — triumphed over compatriot Shelton, 23, 5-2.

During a pregame press conference with publications including PEOPLE, the players spoke about the event’s “historic” nature, including the ballroom’s legacy and the novelty of playing under chandeliers.

“Moments like this make you realize how lucky and fortunate we are to be doing what we’re doing every single day,” Sakkari said. “Sometimes tennis can be brutal, but at the same time, this is a great reward.”

Fernandez added, “It’s very intimate. I have this idea of it being super elegant, which I absolutely love.”

For Paul, 29, who relishes experiencing different cultures while playing all over the world, it was “extra special” as an American to participate in an exhibition held “in such an iconic place.”

At the trophy ceremony, in front of A-list audience members like Anna Wintour and chef Daniel Boulud, Fernandez and Paul received their prizes for their victories, including — according to Querrey — a five-night stay at any Waldorf in the world.

“I feel grateful and honored to be included in this part of history,” Sakkari said. “This hotel is one of the most historic in the world. Hopefully, we can remember this day for the rest of our lives.”

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Luigi Romaniello, managing director of the Waldorf Astoria, emphasized that the evening contributes to weaving N.Y.C.’s hotels and hospitality into “the fabric” and “the energy” of the city.

“New Yorkers always love tennis. It’s a time to gather, to spend time with each other,” Romaniello explains. “But this one takes a different dimension, because all of a sudden, it includes luxury hospitality into it. So here comes the champagne, here comes the culinary, here comes the pleasantries, under a beautiful ballroom.”

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