Brisbane Pickleball tournament set to takeover Pat Rafter Arena

The Brisbane Pickleball Classic is set to take over the Pat Rafter Arena at the Queensland Tennis Centre next month. Entries are now open for players of all skill levels to compete for more than $8,000 in prize money. 

Each player is guaranteed at least four round-robin matches and a rare chance to rally on Pat Rafter Arena’s prestigious centre court from Saturday 27th September – Sunday 28th September.

With 52 million players worldwide, pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports for all ages and abilities. It combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis and is played with paddles and a perforated ball on a smaller court.

Tennis Australia Head of Game Expansion Callum Beale enthused “we’re thrilled to welcome the Australian pickleball community for an unforgettable weekend of high-energy matches, exciting off-court activations and give-aways, along with a chance to showcase pickleball on one the best arena’s the sport has seen.”

The sport’s charm has extended beyond the court to capture the attention of celebrities and sporting legends alike, with fans including Andre Agassi, Steffi Graf, Tom Brady, Taylor Swift, and George and Amal Clooney. With celebrity ambassadors, inclusive appeal, and focus on social interaction and fun, pickleball continues to grow in popularity.

Open to all levels of players, entries to the Brisbane Pickleball Classic are accepted on a first-come basis. Participants can select between five divisions, including: 

• Open - All players aged 16 years and above. Designed for a wide range of skill levels, these divisions offer an exciting and inclusive competition environment for players ready to test themselves on court

• Masters - Open to players aged 40 and above, with dedicated age categories:40+, 50+, and 60+

• UTR-P Divisions (DUPR conversion applies)

-2.99 and below: For players who are new to competitive pickleball

-3.0 – 3.99: For experienced intermediate players comfortable with tournament play

-4.0 & above: For advanced players competing at a high club or tournament level

Divisions are structured to allow players to self-select based on their Universal Tennis Rating – Pickleball (UTR-P) or Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) to ensure they enter the most suitable division.

More information on the Brisbane Pickleball Classic