Racquets Up: 360 Padel | Gayle SA Invitational Serves Up Padel History
A bold new chapter in South African sport begins with the launch of the 360 Padel | Gayle SA Invitational at DP World Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. This high-octane tournament is set to ignite the country’s fastest-growing racquet sport through the ultimate showdown between the top 12 global padel players.
Think high-energy rallies and fierce serves, this premier event promises to turn heads both on and off the court. Therefore, as padel fever sweeps the globe, South Africa stakes its claim with a tournament designed to attract top talent, local enthusiasts and a new generation of fans.
Padel Royalty: World’s Top 12 Champions on African Soil
Curated for a global audience but deeply rooted in African sporting passion, the 360 Padel | Gayle SA Invitational brings elite padel competition to Johannesburg’s historic Wanderers Stadium. Over three thrilling days, the event fuses world-class play with immersive fan experiences, putting South Africa on the global padel map.
Twelve of the world’s top-ranked players will hold their racquets up high whilst serving padel history in South Africa. Additionally, the 360 Padel | Gayle SA Invitational marks the largest professional padel event ever held on African soil.
Furthermore, the tournament is headlined by the world’s padel champions: Arturo Coello, Agustin Tapia, Juan Lebron, Ale Galán, Leo Augsburger, Jon Sanz, Martin Di Nenno, Momo Gonzalez, Fernando Belasteguín, Franco Stupaczuk, Mike Yanguas and Pablo Cardona.
However, the tournament will be introducing a new team-based format where the 12 players will be split into Team Lebron and Team Galán. Over three adrenaline-fuelled days, fans will witness dramatic clashes and unexpected alliances as pairings are shuffled with every match.
“This isn’t just a tournament — it’s a celebration of Padel’s arrival on the African main stage,” said SAI’s spokesperson, Sarfraz Bismilla. “We’re showcasing the sport’s global stars while delivering a world-class experience for South African fans in one of the country’s most iconic venues.”
360 Padel | Gayle SA Invitational Sequence of Events
Consequently, each day features three high-energy matches, with rising stakes as the event progresses:
- Friday: 3 matches | 1 point each
- Saturday: 3 matches | 2 points each
- Sunday: 3 matches | 3 points each
With a total of 18 points up for grabs, the team with the highest score by Sunday evening will be crowned the first-ever 360 Padel | Gayle Champions.
“This is more than a tournament — it’s a cultural milestone,” said organisers. “We’re placing Africa at the centre of the global padel movement and inviting fans to witness history in the making.”
Additionally, the event also sets the stage for lasting impact with youth development clinics, infrastructure partnerships and post-event community access programs already in the works.
Match Schedule: SA Invitational Tournament Fixtures
Friday, 15 August
16:00: Arturo Coello / Fernando Belasteguín vs Martin Di Nenno / Momo Gonzalez
18:00: Franco Stupaczuk / Mike Yanguas vs Agustin Tapia / Jon Sanz
20:00: Ale Galán / Pablo Cardona vs Juan Lebron / Leo Augsburger
Saturday, 16 August
16:00: Pablo Cardona / Fernando Belasteguín vs Juan Lebron / Momo Gonzalez
18:00: Ale Galán / Mike Yanguas vs Leo Augsburger / Jon Sanz
20:00: Arturo Coello / Franco Stupaczuk vs Agustin Tapia / Martin Di Nenno
Sunday, 17 August
12:00: Franco Stupaczuk / Pablo Cardona vs Jon Sanz / Momo Gonzalez
14:00: Mike Yanguas / Fernando Belasteguín vs Leo Augsburger / Martin Di Nenno
18:00: Ale Galán / Arturo Coello vs Agustin Tapia / Juan Lebron
Therefore, don’t miss your chance to witness this premier sporting moment and padel history in the making. Secure your seats now at www.ticketpro.co.za.
