Turning back the Clock on Queen’s
Without doubt, The Queen’s Club is steeped in history, hosting a variety of events, including the iconic HSBC Championships, thousands of spectators and some of the most iconic players in the world of tennis. Here’s a quick look at the club’s history, from its establishment in 1886, to present day.
The Queen’s Club was the world’s second multipurpose sports complex, becoming the only one when the Prince’s Club relocated to Knightsbridge in 1888, losing its outdoor sports facilities. Quite simply, the club was named after Queen Victoria, its first patron. Initial sports offered were real tennis, rackets, lawn tennis, football, rugby and athletics, however the Club has now hosted as many as 25 different activities including the likes of ice skating and baseball.
The first sporting event was held in July 1887, for the University Sports meeting between Oxford and Cambridge – the same meetings were held at Queen’s for a further 40 years. In some cases, as many as 10,000 spectators attended said events, leading them to be eventually transferred to Twickenham, Wembley and White City.
The Queen’s Club was also the venue of choice for indoor tennis, real tennis and rackets events in the 1908 edition of the summer Olympics. That year, GB claimed 146 medals, 56 of which were gold, making them the No.1 ranking country. Go GB!
In 2005, the LTA, put the club up for sale; in May 2007, the clubs Members successfully acquired a 120-year lease for the club from the Lawn Tennis Association, meaning the members currently own and operate their Club through a fully elected Board. The Members continue to invest in the club, allowing it to perform as a first-class sports haven, whilst boasting a tranquil and charming setting in prestigious Kensington, London.
Throughout its history, the Club has consistently delivered as an exceptional sporting venue, hosting the World Racket Championships, leading Real Tennis events such as the British Open, and of course, the world-famous and iconic annual HSBC Championships.
The Queen's Club: Where History is Made
The Championships have been held at London's iconic Queen’s Club, for over a century. Yet in its more recent years is where the tournament has been consistently recognised by both players and tennis fans as one of the most awe-inspiring events in the ATP calendar. Its move to ATP 500 status in 2015 was credible, however its award as ATP 500 Tournament of the Year in 2015, 2016 and 2018 was the icing on the cake.
Seven players have translated title runs at Queen’s to success at The Championships, Wimbledon, proving that it’s the perfect preparation for a bid at stealing the crown at The All-England Lawn and Tennis Club.
The magnificent seven are John McEnroe (1981, 1984), Jimmy Connors (1982), Boris Becker (1985), Pete Sampras (1995, 1999), Lleyton Hewitt (2002), Rafael Nadal (2008) and, of course, GB’s own Sir Andy Murray (2013, 2016). In fact, in the latter year, Murray became the first to win five singles titles at the event as the top seed. We salute you sir!
There’s no doubt that The Queen’s Club plays a tremendous role in the world of tennis; both its incomparable history and role as one of the world’s most prestigious grass court tournaments gives the club a rightful spot on anyone’s bucket list. And what better way to tick it off than with all-inclusive, first-class hospitality? Explore our range of package options for the HSBC Championships - ATP500 & WTA500 - now.