While the attention of the tennis world is now firmly focused on the All England Club, those in the know have just experienced London’s most intimate tennis tournament.
The dust is settling at the Hurlingham Club following the 31st iteration of the Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic.
This year’s competition, dubbed ‘the poshest sporting event in England’ was a roaring success. The Hurlingham Club was graced by a strong selection of the finest players preparing for the Wimbledon championships.
Additionally, this year marked the first time Elite Traveler has been the official media partner of the event. Our senior editors were courtside, witnessing the electric action in the best seats in the house as they accessed the extraordinary.
In the run-up to this year’s Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic, the headlines were secured as the caliber of the players competing was announced. The 23-year-old British star Jack Draper made his debut following a highly impressive breakout season that saw him rise to fourth in the ATP world rankings.
It’s a run of form that continued at the Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic as Draper played Holder Rune (World No.9). Despite losing the first set 6/4, Draper found his rhythm in the second, winning it 6/3 and following it up decisively with a 10/4 tie-break victory.
Britain’s golden boy was far from the only star in attendance. He was also joined by Frances Tiafoe (No.12), who lost in straight sets to Christopher Eubanks (No.130). One of the greatest players of all time, 24 grand slam-winning Novak Djokovic (No.6) didn’t bring his A-game, losing in straight sets to Karen Khachanov (No.20). While Luciano Darderi (No.59) played Matteo Berrettini (No.35) in an absolute thriller that closed with a 14/12 tie-break.
With a lineup like that, superb on-court action was guaranteed; however, the Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic was about far more than great tennis.
Title partner Giorgio Armani entered its third year in partnership with the event, joined by Citi Taste of Tennis and Whispering Angel as top-tier partners. The latter ensured refreshments flowed in the Whispering Angel Garden.
This year, the competition also partnered with Michelin-starred chef Paul Ainsworth who served an elevated culinary experience that ran alongside the event. Premium partner, Marriott Bonvoy ensured nobody missed a minute of the action by providing a large screen, while Rolls-Royce Motor Cars transported players and VIP guests in style.
