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The rise of padel has transformed the global sporting landscape, attracting professional athletes, entrepreneurs and celebrities alike. Now, South Africa is preparing to welcome the world’s premier professional padel tour in a milestone event that places the country firmly on the international stage.
From 26 July to 2 August 2026, SunBet Arena at Time Square, Pretoria, will host the Pretoria Premier Padel P1, making South Africa the first nation in Sub-Saharan Africa to stage an official Premier Padel tournament.
The landmark event represents a significant moment not only for the sport but also for South Africa’s growing reputation as a destination capable of hosting world-class international sporting events.
A Historic Milestone for South African Sport
Over the past decade, padel has evolved from a niche racquet sport into one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. Its popularity has surged across Europe, the Middle East and Latin America, while South Africa has witnessed an explosion in courts, clubs and players eager to embrace the game.
The arrival of Premier Padel reflects just how far the sport has come locally.
For the first time, South African fans will have the opportunity to watch the world’s leading professionals compete on home soil, bringing the speed, athleticism and tactical brilliance of elite padel to a local audience.
Local Talent Meets the World’s Best
The tournament also provides an unprecedented platform for South Africa’s top players.
Representing the country in the men’s main draw are Richard Ashforth, Luan Krige, Egmond van Heerden, Jason Milner, Adam van Harte and Warren Kuhn, all of whom will compete against some of the biggest names in international padel.
Joining the women’s main draw are wildcard entrants Linge Steenkamp and Zoe Kruger, whose qualification highlights the rapid development of the women’s game in South Africa.
Among the tournament’s most compelling stories is 15-year-old Basma Ali, the youngest player in the competition. Competing alongside the world’s elite at such a young age, Ali represents the exciting future of South African padel and the growing opportunities available to emerging athletes.
More Than a Sporting Event
The Pretoria Premier Padel P1 promises an experience that extends well beyond the court.
Throughout the tournament week, visitors can enjoy an interactive fan village featuring family-friendly activities, live entertainment and immersive experiences designed to celebrate the energy surrounding one of the world’s fastest-growing sports.
Television personalities Jonathan Boynton-Lee and Lebo Mokoena will host the event alongside DJ Nick Explicit, while tournament mascot Moyà and the energetic Vibe Squad will keep spectators entertained throughout the week.
Finals Weekend will elevate the atmosphere even further, with performances from DJ Maphorisa, Timo ODV, Chrizz Beatz and the internationally acclaimed Mzansi Youth Choir.
A Global Audience
The tournament’s significance extends far beyond Pretoria.
Fans across Sub-Saharan Africa will be able to watch the main draw live on ESPN, available via DStv Channel 218, StarTimes Channel 248 and the ESPN linear channels on Disney+ South Africa.
International audiences will also have access through Red Bull TV, while Canal+ will broadcast the tournament across French-speaking markets, ensuring millions of viewers experience South Africa’s historic moment on the global sporting calendar.
The Beginning of a New Era
The arrival of Premier Padel in Pretoria signals more than the debut of an international tournament—it marks the beginning of a new chapter for the sport across Africa.
For local athletes, it provides an opportunity to measure themselves against the world’s best without leaving home. For fans, it offers a front-row seat to one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. And for South Africa, it reinforces the country’s ability to host premium international sporting events that attract global attention.
As the first ball is served in Pretoria, the tournament will represent more than a week of competition. It will stand as a defining moment in the evolution of South African padel and a milestone in the country’s sporting history.
