Great Britain’s number two padel player, Aimee Gibson, has traveled to Australia to participate in the inaugural Padel Invitational at the Sydney Opera House. This high-profile event serves as a strategic showcase designed to bolster the sport's bid for inclusion in the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games.
The Road to Brisbane 2032
Following her recent appearance at the London Premier Padel P1, Gibson joins a star-studded lineup on a custom-built court overlooking Sydney Harbour. The event, organized by Padel Australia in partnership with Premier Padel and the International Padel Federation (FIP), aims to demonstrate the sport's global appeal to the International Olympic Committee, which is expected to finalize the 2032 Olympic program in early 2027. Gibson, who previously secured back-to-back FIP Silver titles in Australia earlier this year, views the invitational as a vital opportunity to introduce the sport to a wider audience.
The event features a mix of legendary figures and current stars, including the most decorated right-side player in history, Juan Martín Díaz, and the most successful female player in the sport's history, Alejandra Salazar, who is currently playing her final professional season. Other notable participants include former world number one Maxi Sánchez, Martín Di Nenno, Pablo García, Marina Lobo, and Junior World Champion Mar Munera. Tennis icon Pat Rafter is also slated to participate as part of the event's promotional efforts.
The Padel Invitational presented by UBS includes a diverse range of activities designed to engage both professional athletes and the local community:
- Celebrity 1 Point Padel: A fast-paced competition inspired by the Australian Open’s 1 Point Slam format.
- Professional showcase matches: High-level exhibition games featuring top-ranked players in collaboration with the Premier Padel tour.
- Community court sessions: Opportunities for local players to step onto the iconic Sydney Opera House court and experience the game firsthand.
- The Padel Invitational Finals: A competitive bracket showcasing the best club-level talent from across Australia.
- Live entertainment and activations: A festival-style atmosphere featuring food, beverages, and partner-led activities for attendees.
Beyond the scheduled matches, fans have the unique chance to win a spot on the court to play alongside high-profile figures such as Pat Rafter and former tennis star Casey Dellacqua.
