South Africa’s inaugural Premier Padel tournament has officially been elevated to Premier P1 status, just days after the country’s historic debut on the global tour calendar was announced.
The upgrade positions the Pretoria Premier P1 among the highest-tier events on the Qatar Airways Premier Padel Tour, marking a significant milestone for South African sport and further cementing the country’s growing reputation as an emerging destination for world-class international events.
Set to take place from 26 July to 2 August 2026 at SunBet Arena, Time Square, Pretoria, the tournament will now offer increased FIP ranking points, enhanced prize money, and an even stronger international player field as many of the world’s top-ranked padel athletes prepare to compete on South African soil for the first time.
The elevation to P1 status represents a major endorsement from Premier Padel and the International Padel Federation (FIP), while significantly increasing the tournament’s global profile and commercial impact.
Tobie Badenhorst, Vice-President of Primedia Sport and official tournament promoter, says the announcement reflects the rapid growth of padel both locally and internationally.
“This is a landmark moment not only for the tournament, but for South African sport as a whole. The elevation to P1 status immediately places Pretoria alongside some of the world’s leading padel destinations and creates an incredible opportunity for local fans and players to experience the sport at its absolute highest level.”
Padel continues to be one of South Africa’s fastest-growing sports, with more than 450 clubs, over 1 400 courts, and an estimated 500 000 amateur players nationwide. The tournament will also include wildcard and qualification opportunities for South African players, creating a pathway for local talent to compete within the global professional ecosystem.
The event is expected to attract significant international attention, with global broadcast coverage available via Red Bull TV, ESPN Africa (DStv Channel 218, StarTimes 248), Disney+ in South Africa, and Canal+ for French-speaking territories.
Tickets are now available through Ticketmaster.