With the start of summer and the grass season, the tennis world is about to turn its attention to London.
Yet while most of the attention goes to the Wimbledon Championships, it’s far from the only show in town. Set days before the grand slam, the Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic returns to the esteemed Hurlingham Club for its 31st edition. Running June 24-28, this established contest offers all the glamour and sporting prowess of SW19 in a far more intimate setting.
This year’s Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic has attracted some of the game’s brightest stars, including British No.1 Jack Draper, who will be making his debut. The 23-year-old British star arrives following an impressive breakout season in which he has ascended to No. 4 in the ATP world rankings.
Despite Draper fever reaching its zenith, the British player is far from the only star turning their arm at the Hurlingham Club this June. He’ll be joined by Frances Tiafoe (World No.16), Stefanos Tsitsipas (No. 20), Karen Khachanov (No. 24), in addition to Holger Rune (No. 9), Lorenzo Musetti (No. 11), Arthur Fils (No. 14) and Matteo Berrettini (No. 27).
It’s a highly impressive lineup, but that should come as no surprise. In previous years, the Hurlingham Club, one of the most renowned members’ clubs in Britain, has seen Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Pete Sampras and Goran Ivanisevic grace its courts.
It’s clear that when it comes to tennis, those lucky enough to be attending should prepare to witness showstopping action. However, the action on the court isn’t the only reason the anticipation is rising for the Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic.
This year, the competition has partnered with Michelin-starred chef Paul Ainsworth, who has devised an elevated culinary experience that will run alongside the event. Ainsworth, who earned his stripes under Gordon Ramsay at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay and Marcus Wareing at Pétrus, has devised a menu to match the caliber of the action on the courts.
“I’m absolutely delighted to be partnering with the Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic at The Hurlingham Club this June,” said Ainsworth. “It’s an event I’ve long admired, and having the opportunity to cook at such a prestigious venue is a true honor. We’re excited to bring a taste of Cornwall to one of London’s most anticipated summer occasions.”
This year’s Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic also marks a special moment for Elite Traveler, the official media partner of the tournament. Going behind the scenes at the historic event, senior editors will be courtside, keeping a keen eye on events as they Access the Extraordinary.
The Hurlingham Club will also see the conclusion of The Road to The Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic, a series of tournaments held at a selection of Four Seasons properties, under the expert guidance of some of the best players of all time.
This collaboration between Giorgio Armani, Four Seasons and the Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic saw events at The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas, under the guidance of Juan Martín del Potro; Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach, Florida, attended by Venus Williams; Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, A Four Seasons Hotel coached by Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire, England under the keen eye of Ivanišević.
The winning doubles team of each tournament has been invited to the Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic at the Hurlingham Club, where the semi-finals and final will take place.
For those looking to attend this prestigious event, an exceptionally limited number of tickets have been made available to the public. Priced at £217 ($294), these tickets grant attendees privileged access to the immaculately manicured grounds of the Hurlingham Club, two ATP singles matches featuring four top-ranked players, in addition to a legends match.
To book tickets, visit: giorgioarmanitennisclassic.com/the-experience
