Real tennis meets a venue rich in royal heritage as the Real Tennis Champions Trophy returns to Hampton Court Palace.
The world’s best real tennis players are in action this week on the historic tennis court at Hampton Court Palace, with the last two players standing (see below for match schedule and main draw) set for a showdown on Sunday 4 August in the 2024 Real Tennis Champions Trophy final.
Last year, world number two John Lumley reigned supreme at Hampton Court to claim the celebrated real tennis silverware. Lumley followed in the footsteps of 14-time world champion Rob Fahey who beat Ben Taylor-Matthews 6/2 4/6 6/2 6/3 in the 2022 final Who will lift the trophy in 2024? All will be revealed at the iconic Royal Tennis Court in south-west London.
👀 READ ON for an introduction to the Champions Trophy, ‘ones to watch’, how to buy tickets, the schedule of play and travel tips.
For over 400 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 this week the sport returns to its spiritual home as Hampton Court plays host to the Real Tennis Champions Trophy.
Now in its 5th 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.)
ONES TO WATCH 2024
Rob Fahey the 14x World Champion and 2022 Real Tennis Champions Trophy champion will attempt to regain his title. Joining him will be the number one seed and world No.3 Nick Howell. The number two seed is Ben Taylor-Matthews who was the runner-up at Hampton Court in 2022 and 2023. Bryn Sayers (2012 British Open & US Open Champion), the number five seed is another player who could feature at the business end of the tournament.
TICKETS, TIMINGS & TRAVEL
TICKETS for the Real Tennis Champions Trophy are on sale via the ‘Get Tickets’ link.
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 30 July: Qualifying Day One. Matches from 1pm to 8pm.
Wednesday 31 July: Qualifying Day Two. Matches from 1pm to 8pm.
Thursday 1 August: Quarter-finals. Matches from 12.30pm to 8pm.
Friday 2 August: Quarter-finals (2nd chance). Matches from 2pm to 6pm.
Saturday 3 August: Semi-finals. Matches from 11am to 3pm.
Sunday 4 August: Final & Prize Giving. Final at 11.30am.
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.
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