National Talent Shines at the Changan SA Grand Tour Pretoria Open

The local padel circuit reached a thrilling peak this month as the Changan SA Grand Tour Pretoria Open took centre stage from 14 to 16 August 2026. Hosted at the world-class Gayle Padel Club in Centurion, the tournament firmly established itself as a crown jewel of the national calendar. Reflecting its elite status and the exceptional caliber of players it attracts, the event was officially upgraded to a South African Padel Association (SAPA) Major, drawing the country’s top-ranked athletes to the greater Pretoria area for three days of high-octane competition.

High-Stakes Dramatics on the Court

The tournament delivered intense, tactical battles across both divisions, culminating in spectacular finals on Sunday, 16 August.

In the Men’s Open division, the powerhouse duo of Adam van Harte and Jason Blakey-Milner claimed the championship after a masterclass in mental fortitude. Facing fierce resistance from runners-up Aidan Carrazedo and Tremayne Mitchell, Van Harte and Blakey-Milner held their nerve during the match’s most critical moments, ultimately sealing the title with a razor-thin 7-6, 7-6 victory.

The Women’s Open division showcased equally riveting action, with Mikayla Plitt and Jackie Booth rising above the field to claim the ultimate prize. Demonstrating clinical precision and seamless court chemistry, Plitt and Booth defeated the formidable pairing of Linge Steenkamp and Debbie van Aswegen to officially crown themselves the Pretoria Open champions.

Event at a Glance

Attribute	Tournament Details
Dates	14-16 August 2026
Venue	Gayle Padel Club, Centurion (Greater Pretoria Area)
Circuit	Changan SA Grand Tour
Tour Status	SAPA Major
Men’s Champions	Adam van Harte & Jason Blakey-Milner
Women’s Champions	Mikayla Plitt & Jackie Booth

The success of the Pretoria Open further cements the rapid growth of professional padel in South Africa, setting a phenomenal benchmark for the remainder of the Changan SA Grand Tour.

Upcoming Tour Stops

The next two stops on the Changan SA Padel Grand Tour are The Bloemfontein Open and The Cape Town Open, both taking place in September 2026.

The Bloemfontein Open

• Dates: 4-6 September 2026.
• Venue: Net Set Padel Ramblers, Bloemfontein.
• Atmosphere: This marks the tour’s expansion into the Free State, bringing a high-energy weekend of top-tier competitive padel.
• Registration: Open to players now via the link in the official tour profile.

The Cape Town Open

• Dates: 18-20 September 2026.
• Venue: Arturf Padel Arena in Paarden Eiland, Cape Town.
• Tournament Tier: Designated as a SAPA Super Gold Event.
• Cost: Early Bird entry is R550 per player.
• Registration: Currently live. Players can sign up with a partner online

Remaining 2026 Tour Schedule

If you want to plan further ahead, here is a quick look at the remaining events on the official SA Grand Tour Calendar: