Real Tennis Champions Trophy 2024 

The Real Tennis Champions Trophy, an annual tournament presented by Mitsubishi Electric, will be held from 28 July to 4 August 2024. Taking place at the Royal Tennis Court at Hampton Court Palace, the 500-year-old home of Real Tennis, the event will bring together the world’s top Real Tennis players.

Spectators can watch the world’s top-ranking players from £10 per match, along with the chance to meet the competitors and learn more about the game of Real Tennis. This year’s new-look format includes qualifying rounds for eight participants as well as the main draw, a new Amateur Handicap Doubles where CT24 players are allocated a pair to coach and support, a Golf Day at Hampton Court Palace Golf Club and a gala dinner. If you have not yet seen the game for yourself but have always been intrigued this is an event not to miss. 

The Real Tennis Champions Trophy is an annual event that is unique to the Royal Tennis Club. It was devised by head pro Nick Wood, a former European Opens, and Australian, US and British Opens Doubles Winner, to allow the game’s world champions to play competitively at the home of the game. “The trophy was conceived to allow the world’s top players to compete at the home of Real Tennis and provide a location for the general public as well as club members to watch and enjoy the sport,” said Wood. “I am delighted to see the Trophy grow and expand into a Real Tennis festival.” 

Now in its sixth year, the tournament has been supported by Mitsubishi Electric since its second iteration. “Mitsubishi Electric was introduced to Real Tennis by Historic Royal Palaces, the charity which runs Hampton Court Palace, and of which we are a longstanding supporter,” said Hans-Joerg Hinkel, senior corporate communications manager at Mitsubishi Electric Europe. “We immediately saw a natural fit with the values of the game and have been a proud supporter ever since. Supporting the original game of tennis highlights our dedication to preserving history and traditions as well as healthy well-being.”

This year the trophy is taking place from 28 July to 4 August, starting with the qualifying competition on 28 July followed by the Trophy Days during 29-30 May, the doubles tournament takes place on 1-2 August, semi-finals on 3 August and culminates on Sunday 4 August with the finals and prize-giving. 

World No.2 John Lumley will be defending his trophy after winning in 2023. “I had an amazing time at the Champions Trophy and really enjoyed being at the Palace to play world-class Real Tennis,” he said. “Winning was very special to me, in front of a great crowd, and with my family cheering me on.” 

For an up-close viewing experience and insights into the game, tickets are available for all spectators throughout the tournament for the Dedans Viewing Gallery (Seated) and the Upper Viewing Gallery (Standing). Tickets include exclusive access to the Royal Tennis Court club rooms and private garden, costing from £10 to £35 per person, per match. Free tickets are available for the qualifying matches on Tuesday 28 May and 8-21 year olds are welcome to spectate for free of charge in the Upper Viewing Gallery throughout the tournament (subject to availability). 

To book tickets, on sale from 15 May, see royaltenniscourt.com