When Reserve Padel held a unique exhibition match that brought together Hollywood stars, sports luminaries, and high-profile guests, New York’s Hudson Yards became the center of attention. The US Open was all the rage at the time of the event, but padel stole the show. In front of a large crowd at Reserve’s main club, two-time US Open champion Patrick Rafter squared off against former world No. 1 Juan Martin Diaz.
Jimmy Butler becomes the lead role.
The Reserve Cup chairman and ardent padel lover Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat was a big attraction. After first observing from the sidelines, Butler got in on a few exciting rallies with Reserve founder and CEO Wayne Boich. The audience, who had been urging him to take the court, cheered his participation.
Hollywood flair is added by Owen Wilson.
Known for his passion for racquet sports, actor Owen Wilson was also present. He had played with Diaz, one of the best players in the sport, for more than an hour and a half the day before. Wilson’s appearance demonstrated the increasing popularity of padel among famous people from the entertainment and sports sectors.
An assembly of prominent visitors
The list of guests for the evening went beyond the court. Attendees included TV celebrity Bianca Peters, Equinox Group president Harvey Spevak, former Boston Celtics co-owner Jim Pallotta, and current co-owner Bruce Beal. The legendary NHL player Tie Domi brought his signature vigor to the sidelines, even making a joke about asking Butler to a game.
The rising popularity of padel in the United States
The occasion contributed to the growing popularity of padel in the US. The display demonstrated Reserve Padel’s exceptional capacity to draw a wide range of spectators and gain traction as one of the fastest-growing racket sports in the nation, bringing together celebrities from many worlds.