Real Tennis Champions Trophy

Real Tennis

The Real Tennis Champions Trophy

🎾 Real tennis meets a venue rich in royal heritage as the Real Tennis Champions Trophy returns to Hampton Court Palace.

REAL TENNIS CHAMPIONS TROPHY 2023 IS A WRAP!

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2023 PREVIEW

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 23 June in the 2023 Real Tennis Champions Trophy final.

Last year 14-time world champion Rob Fahey reigned supreme beating Ben Taylor-Matthews 6/2 4/6 6/2 6/3 in the final to claim the celebrated real tennis silverware.  Who will lift the trophy in 2023?  All will be revealed at the iconic Royal Tennis Court in south-west London.

👀 READ ON for an introduction to the Champions Trophy, how to buy tickets, ‘ones to watch’, 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.)

🎟️ 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.

ONES TO WATCH

Rob Fahey the 14x World Champion and current Real Tennis Champions Trophy champion is expected to defend his title.  Joining him will be the likes of John Lumley (a British Open Champion) – and Chris Chapman (an Australian Open Champion) along with Bryn Sayers (2012 British Open & US Open Champion) and world top-ten players Ben Taylor-Matthews and Nick Howell.

Real Tennis Champions Trophy
Photo: @mossfoto

⏱️ SCHEDULE 

Tuesday 18 July: Qualifying.  Matches from 11am to 7pm

Wednesday 19 July: Day 1 Main Draw.  Matches from 11.30am to 9pm

Thursday 20 July: Day 2 Main Draw.  Matches from 4pm to 9pm.

Saturday 22 July: Semi-finals.  Matches from 11.30am to 3pm.

Sunday 23 July: Final & Prize Giving.  Final at 11am..

🚊🚗 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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