Latest news with #GiorgioArmaniTennisClassic
-2.jpeg%3Fwidth%3D1200%26height%3D800%26crop%3D1200%3A800&w=3840&q=100)
The Independent
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Inside the Hurlingham Club and the poshest event on the British sporting calendar
A fleet of Rolls-Royces line the drive. Spectators in heels and hats walk under trellises of roses, past the Orangery and members-only Polo Club, stopping to admire the wares of a handful of luxury sponsors. A peacock roams freely along perfectly-manicured lawns. This is the Hurlingham Club, home of the Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic, the most glamorous sporting event of the summer. Tucked into a leafy corner of south-west London, Hurlingham is the final stop for many elite players before they travel a little further along the District Line for the pinnacle of the grass-court swing. As an exhibition event it offers participants one last weekend of semi-serious competition, against players who they may well face over the next two weeks, albeit with much higher stakes. Coming so close to Wimbledon, the Classic doesn't really have the feel of an exhibition at all – the rosé-sipping crowd aren't treated to many trick shots or tweeners. Instead, it feels like valuable match practice, a test run of Wimbledon itself, complete with all-white kit and utterly pristine grass. That's borne out by the names in action; Novak Djokovic headlines play on Friday, while top-tenners Lorenzo Musetti, Holger Rune, and Ben Shelton all enter (Musetti later withdraws). The star on Thursday is world No 4 Jack Draper, playing at Hurlingham for the first time. It's only a few miles away from his Putney home but he takes a while to acclimatise, caught off guard by a blistering start by Rune. The Dane – once talked about in the same breadth as Sinner and Alcaraz, a hotheaded, bad boy character in a potential new 'Big Three' – breaks in the first game and stays one step ahead of Draper throughout the first set, looking just that little bit sharper, to seal it 6-4. A forgettable first three points kick off the second set for Draper as he goes 0-40 down, before waking up and producing some thunderous serves – which have hitherto been few and far between – to get out of trouble. But a biased, but very polite, crowd get their wish as the 23-year-old turns the set around before taking the deciding tie-break. It's a good run-around for Britain's biggest star, against a fit, aggressive young player and a former quarter-finalist at SW19, before he starts his campaign on Monday. On Friday afternoon Stefanos Tsitsipas – now down to world No 26 – understands the brief much better. The Greek showman throws his racquet in a vain attempt to reach a drop shot from Tomas Martin Etcheverry and reacts with mock amazement at a particularly brilliant down-the-line winner of his own. The crowd murmur appreciatively at the grace and explosiveness of his one-handed backhand; Tsitsipas allows himself to marvel at it too, on occasion. He loses in the tiebreak, but doesn't seem too fussed about it. Friday's headline act is Djokovic himself, enjoying the perfect grass-court warm-up against the venomous serve of 6'6' Karen Khachanov. The Serb makes a mess of a routine overhead but even the game's premier perfectionist can laugh at himself in an exhibition. Both serve immaculately; Djokovic, at the age of 38, still looks like he was designed to play on grass. Khachanov wins 7-6(4), 6-4, but says it himself: '[Djokovic] feels at home on grass, the ball always goes in. He doesn't need to play these [warm-up] tournaments – he's always ready.' In action for the first time since the French Open, Djokovic shows few signs of rust. He misses a couple of shots he shouldn't – but neither man is playing flat out, so it feels difficult to ascribe this to poor form. "Obviously being in an environment where it resembles the official match, it's good for me – I haven't played any lead-up tournaments,' he adds. 'I still thrive being on tour, find enjoyment in competition.' It's not all Whispering Angel and on-court hijinks: over on the much smaller, more intimate Court One, the juniors contest their matches under the watchful eye of some white-clad members, keeping tabs on potential stars of the future. There are some ways in which the Hurlingham Classic feels a relic from a bygone era. The wrought-iron gates, beautifully kept rosebeds, and dolphin-shaped fountains have a hint of the old country house to them. But it's a sense felt most of all in the presence of line judges, two at each end of the court, in ties and shirts but permitted to remove their jackets in the heat. Even Wimbledon, that bastion of tradition, has retired them in favour of electronic line-calling, retaining 80 in the form of 'match assistants' to shepherd players on and off court. And while Queen's – another proud, moneyed institution – opened its doors to female players this summer, for the first time in more than half a century, the Tennis Classic remains a male-only affair. For the professionals, at least. Girls can play in the relatively new Junior Invitational, walking the same hallowed corridors as previous attendees like Carlos Alcaraz, undoubtedly the favourite for next week's real deal a few miles south-west. Djokovic himself, interviewed on court, finds his attention drifting there. 'It's a huge honour to participate in another Wimbledon, still going with the youngsters, a new generation that are exciting. That French Open final was one of the best we've seen in decades. Tennis is in good hands.' The rosé is finished, the ballkids snap selfies with the players, and the last well-heeled punters are shepherded into their Rolls-Royces. The dress rehearsals are over: it's showtime.
North Wales Chronicle
27-06-2025
- Sport
- North Wales Chronicle
Jack Draper determined to make his mark at Wimbledon
The 23-year-old is one of 23 British players in Friday's singles draw, the most since 1984, but there is no doubt he represents the best hope of a first home champion since Andy Murray nine years ago. Having watched the Scot win his two titles in 2013 and 2016 as a promising junior, Draper believes he is now ready to show the British public why he is ranked world number four and regarded as one of the trophy favourites. A post shared by Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic (@giorgioarmanitennisclassic) 'I definitely feel like a very different person, that's for sure,' said Draper, who last year went into the tournament ranked 28th. 'I feel a lot more confident, a lot more calm in myself. I feel like I've got great people around me who have been with me every year (going) up the rankings. 'Seeing yourself play in some big matches and in big environments, that helps more and more when you're coming into big places like Wimbledon. I think the home support that I'm going to have and people right behind me is going to be amazing. 'It's going to be a privilege to play as the British number one and that's what I've always wanted, I've wanted to make Centre Court or Wimbledon my environment, and I'm looking forward to hopefully starting that.' ⚡️#Wimbledon — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 25, 2025 Having reached the US Open semi-finals and then claimed one of the biggest titles outside of the grand slams at Indian Wells in March, Draper knows expectations will be enormous. 'I focus on what I can control,' he said. 'I can't control what people say, what noise people say, what hype there is, what criticism, all I can do is try my hardest and focus every day on what I'm going to do to prepare and play my best tennis in order to try to win the matches. 'I'm really excited to go out there to compete. Full of excitement knowing the crowd is right behind me, that I'm going to be playing on the courts that I wanted to play on since I was young, watching Murray, watching all these great players perform out there and it feels amazing to know that. 'It's sinking in that I'm there now and I've got the chance to show people what I can do.' Draper had hoped to claim a first title on home soil at Queen's Club last weekend but struggled with tonsillitis and lost to Jiri Lehecka in the semi-finals. After a course of antibiotics, Draper is now feeling much better and turned around an exhibition match against world number eight Holger Rune at the Giorgio Armani Classic at the Hurlingham Club on Thursday to win 4-6 6-3 (10/4). He can go into Friday's draw safe in the knowledge he cannot face tournament favourites Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner until at least the semi-finals but Draper knows he, too, is now there to be shot at. 'Whoever I play against, I have the utmost respect for,' he said. 'They're in the draw for a reason, they're going to be dangerous, they're going to want to come out and swing against a guy who's a home player and who's highly ranked, and they've got nothing to lose.' Draper will be the only seeded home player but Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter in particular will be dangerous floaters while Britain's ranks were swelled by another debutant on Thursday when 21-year-old Oliver Tarvet progressed through qualifying. 'I think it is really exciting for the British public to have so many good people in the draw from this country,' said Draper. 'I think it is a great opportunity for us all. I feel strong, I feel ready.' Over at Wimbledon, meanwhile, a rematch of the 2023 and 2024 final took place on Centre Court, with Alcaraz facing Novak Djokovic in a practice contest. Neither could gain the upper hand, with the set tied at 5-5 when the session came to a close.
Leader Live
27-06-2025
- Sport
- Leader Live
Jack Draper determined to make his mark at Wimbledon
The 23-year-old is one of 23 British players in Friday's singles draw, the most since 1984, but there is no doubt he represents the best hope of a first home champion since Andy Murray nine years ago. Having watched the Scot win his two titles in 2013 and 2016 as a promising junior, Draper believes he is now ready to show the British public why he is ranked world number four and regarded as one of the trophy favourites. A post shared by Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic (@giorgioarmanitennisclassic) 'I definitely feel like a very different person, that's for sure,' said Draper, who last year went into the tournament ranked 28th. 'I feel a lot more confident, a lot more calm in myself. I feel like I've got great people around me who have been with me every year (going) up the rankings. 'Seeing yourself play in some big matches and in big environments, that helps more and more when you're coming into big places like Wimbledon. I think the home support that I'm going to have and people right behind me is going to be amazing. 'It's going to be a privilege to play as the British number one and that's what I've always wanted, I've wanted to make Centre Court or Wimbledon my environment, and I'm looking forward to hopefully starting that.' ⚡️#Wimbledon — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 25, 2025 Having reached the US Open semi-finals and then claimed one of the biggest titles outside of the grand slams at Indian Wells in March, Draper knows expectations will be enormous. 'I focus on what I can control,' he said. 'I can't control what people say, what noise people say, what hype there is, what criticism, all I can do is try my hardest and focus every day on what I'm going to do to prepare and play my best tennis in order to try to win the matches. 'I'm really excited to go out there to compete. Full of excitement knowing the crowd is right behind me, that I'm going to be playing on the courts that I wanted to play on since I was young, watching Murray, watching all these great players perform out there and it feels amazing to know that. 'It's sinking in that I'm there now and I've got the chance to show people what I can do.' Draper had hoped to claim a first title on home soil at Queen's Club last weekend but struggled with tonsillitis and lost to Jiri Lehecka in the semi-finals. After a course of antibiotics, Draper is now feeling much better and turned around an exhibition match against world number eight Holger Rune at the Giorgio Armani Classic at the Hurlingham Club on Thursday to win 4-6 6-3 (10/4). He can go into Friday's draw safe in the knowledge he cannot face tournament favourites Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner until at least the semi-finals but Draper knows he, too, is now there to be shot at. 'Whoever I play against, I have the utmost respect for,' he said. 'They're in the draw for a reason, they're going to be dangerous, they're going to want to come out and swing against a guy who's a home player and who's highly ranked, and they've got nothing to lose.' Draper will be the only seeded home player but Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter in particular will be dangerous floaters while Britain's ranks were swelled by another debutant on Thursday when 21-year-old Oliver Tarvet progressed through qualifying. 'I think it is really exciting for the British public to have so many good people in the draw from this country,' said Draper. 'I think it is a great opportunity for us all. I feel strong, I feel ready.' Over at Wimbledon, meanwhile, a rematch of the 2023 and 2024 final took place on Centre Court, with Alcaraz facing Novak Djokovic in a practice contest. Neither could gain the upper hand, with the set tied at 5-5 when the session came to a close.
South Wales Guardian
26-06-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Guardian
Jack Draper determined to make his mark at Wimbledon
The 23-year-old is one of 23 British players in Friday's singles draw, the most since 1984, but there is no doubt he represents the best hope of a first home champion since Andy Murray nine years ago. Having watched the Scot win his two titles in 2013 and 2016 as a promising junior, Draper believes he is now ready to show the British public why he is ranked world number four and regarded as one of the trophy favourites. A post shared by Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic (@giorgioarmanitennisclassic) 'I definitely feel like a very different person, that's for sure,' said Draper, who last year went into the tournament ranked 28th. 'I feel a lot more confident, a lot more calm in myself. I feel like I've got great people around me who have been with me every year (going) up the rankings. 'Seeing yourself play in some big matches and in big environments, that helps more and more when you're coming into big places like Wimbledon. I think the home support that I'm going to have and people right behind me is going to be amazing. 'It's going to be a privilege to play as the British number one and that's what I've always wanted, I've wanted to make Centre Court or Wimbledon my environment, and I'm looking forward to hopefully starting that.' ⚡️#Wimbledon — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 25, 2025 Having reached the US Open semi-finals and then claimed one of the biggest titles outside of the grand slams at Indian Wells in March, Draper knows expectations will be enormous. 'I focus on what I can control,' he said. 'I can't control what people say, what noise people say, what hype there is, what criticism, all I can do is try my hardest and focus every day on what I'm going to do to prepare and play my best tennis in order to try to win the matches. 'I'm really excited to go out there to compete. Full of excitement knowing the crowd is right behind me, that I'm going to be playing on the courts that I wanted to play on since I was young, watching Murray, watching all these great players perform out there and it feels amazing to know that. 'It's sinking in that I'm there now and I've got the chance to show people what I can do.' Draper had hoped to claim a first title on home soil at Queen's Club last weekend but struggled with tonsillitis and lost to Jiri Lehecka in the semi-finals. After a course of antibiotics, Draper is now feeling much better and turned around an exhibition match against world number eight Holger Rune at the Giorgio Armani Classic at the Hurlingham Club on Thursday to win 4-6 6-3 (10/4). He can go into Friday's draw safe in the knowledge he cannot face tournament favourites Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner until at least the semi-finals but Draper knows he, too, is now there to be shot at. 'Whoever I play against, I have the utmost respect for,' he said. 'They're in the draw for a reason, they're going to be dangerous, they're going to want to come out and swing against a guy who's a home player and who's highly ranked, and they've got nothing to lose.' Draper will be the only seeded home player but Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter in particular will be dangerous floaters while Britain's ranks were swelled by another debutant on Thursday when 21-year-old Oliver Tarvet progressed through qualifying. 'I think it is really exciting for the British public to have so many good people in the draw from this country,' said Draper. 'I think it is a great opportunity for us all. I feel strong, I feel ready.' Over at Wimbledon, meanwhile, a rematch of the 2023 and 2024 final took place on Centre Court, with Alcaraz facing Novak Djokovic in a practice contest. Neither could gain the upper hand, with the set tied at 5-5 when the session came to a close.
Rhyl Journal
26-06-2025
- Sport
- Rhyl Journal
Jack Draper determined to make his mark at Wimbledon
The 23-year-old is one of 23 British players in Friday's singles draw, the most since 1984, but there is no doubt he represents the best hope of a first home champion since Andy Murray nine years ago. Having watched the Scot win his two titles in 2013 and 2016 as a promising junior, Draper believes he is now ready to show the British public why he is ranked world number four and regarded as one of the trophy favourites. A post shared by Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic (@giorgioarmanitennisclassic) 'I definitely feel like a very different person, that's for sure,' said Draper, who last year went into the tournament ranked 28th. 'I feel a lot more confident, a lot more calm in myself. I feel like I've got great people around me who have been with me every year (going) up the rankings. 'Seeing yourself play in some big matches and in big environments, that helps more and more when you're coming into big places like Wimbledon. I think the home support that I'm going to have and people right behind me is going to be amazing. 'It's going to be a privilege to play as the British number one and that's what I've always wanted, I've wanted to make Centre Court or Wimbledon my environment, and I'm looking forward to hopefully starting that.' ⚡️#Wimbledon — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 25, 2025 Having reached the US Open semi-finals and then claimed one of the biggest titles outside of the grand slams at Indian Wells in March, Draper knows expectations will be enormous. 'I focus on what I can control,' he said. 'I can't control what people say, what noise people say, what hype there is, what criticism, all I can do is try my hardest and focus every day on what I'm going to do to prepare and play my best tennis in order to try to win the matches. 'I'm really excited to go out there to compete. Full of excitement knowing the crowd is right behind me, that I'm going to be playing on the courts that I wanted to play on since I was young, watching Murray, watching all these great players perform out there and it feels amazing to know that. 'It's sinking in that I'm there now and I've got the chance to show people what I can do.' Draper had hoped to claim a first title on home soil at Queen's Club last weekend but struggled with tonsillitis and lost to Jiri Lehecka in the semi-finals. After a course of antibiotics, Draper is now feeling much better and turned around an exhibition match against world number eight Holger Rune at the Giorgio Armani Classic at the Hurlingham Club on Thursday to win 4-6 6-3 (10/4). He can go into Friday's draw safe in the knowledge he cannot face tournament favourites Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner until at least the semi-finals but Draper knows he, too, is now there to be shot at. 'Whoever I play against, I have the utmost respect for,' he said. 'They're in the draw for a reason, they're going to be dangerous, they're going to want to come out and swing against a guy who's a home player and who's highly ranked, and they've got nothing to lose.' Draper will be the only seeded home player but Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter in particular will be dangerous floaters while Britain's ranks were swelled by another debutant on Thursday when 21-year-old Oliver Tarvet progressed through qualifying. 'I think it is really exciting for the British public to have so many good people in the draw from this country,' said Draper. 'I think it is a great opportunity for us all. I feel strong, I feel ready.' Over at Wimbledon, meanwhile, a rematch of the 2023 and 2024 final took place on Centre Court, with Alcaraz facing Novak Djokovic in a practice contest. Neither could gain the upper hand, with the set tied at 5-5 when the session came to a close.
