Sporting legends join padel pros for Alfred Dunhill Padel Classic supporting Laureus Sport for Good
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London’s iconic Hurlingham Club played host to two unforgettable days of action as a Rugby World Cup winner, a tennis Grand Slam finalist and an Ashes-winning cricket captain, turned out to take part in the inaugural Alfred Dunhill Padel Classic.
Padel – a hybrid of squash and tennis – has emerged as one of the world’s fastest-growing sports and was the centrepiece of the dunhill sponsored event at the famous private members’ club situated adjacent to the River Thames in leafy West London.
Laureus Sport for Good was the official charity partner of the star-studded event and many Laureus Ambassadors and Academy Members were in attendance, including South African Rugby World Cup-winner Bryan Habana and England cricket legend Michael Vaughan and international adventurer Annabelle Bond.
They were joined by more star names like two-time Ashes-winning England cricket captain Andrew Strauss, cricketer James Anderson, rugby brothers Thom and Max Evans, former US Open tennis finalist Greg Rusedski and tennis coach Judy Murray. Playing alongside them were some of Padel’s star Pro players, helping set the tone – and provide undeniable quality of play for this new format event.
Laureus Sport for Good was the official charity partner of the star-studded event and many Laureus Ambassadors and Academy Members were in attendance, including South African Rugby World Cup-winner Bryan Habana and England cricket legend Michael Vaughan and international adventurer Annabelle Bond.
They were joined by more star names like two-time Ashes-winning England cricket captain Andrew Strauss, cricketer James Anderson, rugby brothers Thom and Max Evans, former US Open tennis finalist Greg Rusedski and tennis coach Judy Murray. Playing alongside them were some of Padel’s star Pro players, helping set the tone – and provide undeniable quality of play for this new format event.
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“Our padel players and guests had a wonderful two days at The Hurlingham Club,” said Andy Holmes, Interim Chief Executive Officer at Alfred Dunhill. “The excitement on the court was complimented perfectly by the great company and hospitality off it, ensuring an unforgettable inaugural Alfred Dunhill Padel Classic.”
"We were also delighted to be part of an event that put a wonderful charity like Laureus Sport for Good in the spotlight and raised important funds for their impressive work across the globe."
Judy Murray, whose son, tennis legend Andy, is a padel enthusiast and investor, said: “It was a great opportunity to play the event – the first of its kind in the UK – but then also to know that the funds were going to a sporting charity that does so much good."
"We were also delighted to be part of an event that put a wonderful charity like Laureus Sport for Good in the spotlight and raised important funds for their impressive work across the globe."
Judy Murray, whose son, tennis legend Andy, is a padel enthusiast and investor, said: “It was a great opportunity to play the event – the first of its kind in the UK – but then also to know that the funds were going to a sporting charity that does so much good."
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Alongside the fundraising, invited guests from across the Group’s maisons, enjoyed the good-natured competitive spirit evident on the courts in the spring sunshine at the Hurlingham Club.
“It’s been competitive on the court, but it was a huge disappointment to lose to Michael Vaughan,” he joked, after a loss to his former teammate. “Padel is a great connector of people.”
Habana, who has become a devotee of padel since retiring, added: “To see the fun, the smiles on the faces, the passion, the positivity and energy, will create a tangible impact in the future.”
Professional player Sam MacNeil and English cricketer Sam Billings were thrilled to be crowned inaugural Alfred Dunhill Padel champions. MacNeil said: “It’s great promotion for padel and it’s for such a good cause.”
“It’s been competitive on the court, but it was a huge disappointment to lose to Michael Vaughan,” he joked, after a loss to his former teammate. “Padel is a great connector of people.”
Habana, who has become a devotee of padel since retiring, added: “To see the fun, the smiles on the faces, the passion, the positivity and energy, will create a tangible impact in the future.”
Professional player Sam MacNeil and English cricketer Sam Billings were thrilled to be crowned inaugural Alfred Dunhill Padel champions. MacNeil said: “It’s great promotion for padel and it’s for such a good cause.”
