🎾 NEWSFLASH: The Real Tennis British Open is a wrap for 2025!
🎟️ INTERESTED IN TICKETS FOR NEXT YEAR’S EVENT? 
📩 Email tickets@sportonspec.co.uk with ‘Real Tennis London opt in’ in the subject box to receive confirmation of the 2026 event once announced, plus breaking news of other real tennis events taking place in the capital.
👀 Visit our WHAT’S ON section here for lots more live sport coming up in or around London including
REAL TENNIS CHAMPIONS TROPHY – 2025 RESULT
CONGRATULATIONS to John Lumley the winner of the 2025 Real Tennis Champions Trophy. Lumley (pictured below in action in the final) beat the 2024 champion Nick Howell in straight sets in front of a capacity crowd at Hampton Court Palace.
Lumley – who became a two-time winner of the tournament after his 2023 triumph – put on a impressive performance with HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, watching on. His precision, tactical awareness and court coverage throughout the match proved decisive en route to a 6-2/6-0 victory. See below for highlights of the final.
2025 TOURNAMENT PREVIEW
Real tennis meets a venue rich in royal heritage as the Real Tennis Champions Trophy returns to Hampton Court Palace. Read on for a preview and how to purchase tickets.
The world’s best real tennis players are in action this week on the historic tennis court at Hampton Court Palace. The Royal Tennis Champions Trophy 2025, presented by Mitsubishi Electric, returns to Hampton Court from 22-27 July, for an electrifying week of elite sport, history and celebration.
Last year, world number three Nick Howell reigned supreme at Hampton Court to claim the celebrated real tennis silverware. Howell beat four-time runner-up and world No.4 Ben Taylor-Matthews 3/6 6/2 6/4 in the final. For world No.3 Howell, of the Aiken Tennis Club, South Carolina, it was the first time he’s won the tournament.
A full house at Hampton Court Palace watched from the dedans and gallery as both players fought for every point with long restes (rallies), extraordinary volleys, many winning gallery and grille shots. Watch the highlights from the final below. Who will lift the trophy in 2025? All will be revealed at the iconic Royal Tennis Court in south-west London.
This year’s event is extra special, marking 400 years since the current or “new” Royal Tennis Court was built. The Club also welcomes its new patron, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward. The program will include a Ladies Champions Exhibition Game for the first time.
👀 READ ON for Champions Trophy history, this year’s schedule of play and how to buy tickets.
For nearly 500 years the Royal Tennis Court at Hampton Court Palace has witnessed generation after generation of royal intrigue and sporting drama, with Charles II, William III and even Prince Albert all mastering the art of Real Tennis within its walls. And from Sunday 20 to Sunday 27 July the sport returns to its spiritual home as Hampton Court plays host to the Real Tennis Champions Trophy.
Now in its 7th year, the Champions Trophy celebrates the skill and dedication of this ancient sport, and fuses modern athleticism, power and guile with this strategic and challenging pursuit once beloved of kings. Like the legendary tournaments held by Henry VIII at the palace, the Real Tennis Champions Trophy will bring together the sport’s finest players under one royal roof – real drama is definitely included in the ticket!
Don’t know the rules of Real Tennis? Not to worry! Champions Trophy Stewards and other spectators will assist you with the rules and tactics of this highly intriguing game. There is also help on the ‘How To Play’ section of the tournament website.
(Preview courtesy of the Royal Tennis Court website.)
REAL TENNIS CHAMPIONS TROPHY – TICKETS, TIMINGS & TRAVEL
TICKETS for the Real Tennis Champions Trophy are off sale.
Note: Tickets are on sale online right up to the start of each day’s play. There is no need to buy a ticket for entry to Hampton Court Palace as there is a separate entrance for the Champions Trophy
Viewing options as follows:
Dedans Gallery – Courtside close to the action. The Dedans Gallery is situated at the North end of the Court by the entrance to the Royal Tennis Court Club rooms. Non-allocated places – bench seating with narrow access. A Champions Trophy Steward will be present to assist.
Upper Gallery – An aerial view of the court and action. Not suitable for people with disabilities of fear of heights. The Upper Gallery is located at the South end of the Court, via a narrow winding staircase. Non-allocated places – standing with narrow access. A Champions Trophy Steward will present to assist.
Note from event organiser – Although every attempt will be made to accommodate all, unfortunately, due to the nature of the historic venue, disabled spectators may find access unsuitable. The viewing galleries are not suitable for individuals under the age of 8 years.
SCHEDULE
Tuesday 22 July: Qualifying Day One. Matches from 2pm to 8pm.
Wednesday 23 July: Qualifying Day Two. Matches from 2pm to 8pm.
Thursday 24 July: Quarter-finals. Matches from 2.30pm to 9pm.
Friday 25 July: Quarter-finals (2nd chance). Matches from 4.30pm to 7.45pm.
Saturday 26 July: Semi-finals. Matches from 12.30pm to 6.15pm.
Sunday 27 July: Grand Final & Garden Party. Final starts 11.30am and will finish at approximately 1pm. The garden party follows on after the final.
Travel tips
Hampton Court overground station is a 5-minute walk from the palace. The station is in zone 6 and Oyster cards are accepted on the route. Services run from London Waterloo every 30 minutes, calling at Vauxhall, Clapham Junction, Earlsfield, Wimbledon, Raynes Park, New Maldon, Berrylands, Surbiton and Thames Ditton. See the Hampton Court Palace ‘Getting Here’ page for directions to the palace.
Parking
Visitors can use the main public car park within HCP if there is space. The entrance is via the main gate immediately on the north side of Hampton Court Bridge. If the main gate is shut then you can drive up to it and the security guards will open it and let you in if you tell them that you are visiting to watch the Champions Trophy tennis.
If the car park is full then you will have to use one of the public car parks at Hampton Court station or in Bushy Park, or find a space in the limited on-street parking nearby.
Getting to the court
Entrance is via Tennis Court Lane the road that runs along the left hand side of the Palace when viewed from the main, front entrance.
Go through the security barrier, where the guards will have your name on a list. Continue to the very end of the lane and go through the left hand archway facing you. Go through two sets of doors and you will arrive at the court. The club rooms are at the far end of the court, behind the dedans.
Tourists and other visitors to HCP are free to watch from behind the hazard and service galleries during British Summer Time.
👀 LOVE LIVE SPORT? Visit our ‘What’s On’ page here for the No. 1 guide to spectator experiences coming up in LONDON. And to ensure you don’t miss a moment of the action subscribe here to our newsletter. 👀