Nick Kyrgios, Marin Čilić, Lucas Pouille and Felix Auger-Aliassime are among the first players to join this year’s star-studded line-up for the Aspall Tennis Classic, taking place at The Hurlingham Club.
The prestigious and intimate event brings together some of the world’s best players for their final chance to get vital match practice in before Wimbledon.
Starting on the 25th June, The Aspall Tennis Classic will welcome back, Grand Slam Champion and current World No. 11 Marin Čilić, who achieved a career-high World No. 3 ranking last January after reaching the Australian Open final, as well as 25-year-old Frenchman Lucas Pouille, who is hoping to gain momentum ahead of Wimbledon.
Joining Čilić and Pouille will be one of the game’s most entertaining characters, Australian-born Nick Kyrgios. The 24-year-old known for his big game and fiery persona hopes The Aspall Tennis Classic will be a great opportunity to get some quality court time ahead of Wimbledon. Kyrgios said: “I’m looking forward to playing at Hurlingham for the first time and hopefully find a good rhythm ahead of Wimbledon. I’ve always enjoyed being out on the grass so I’m looking forward to the week.”
There will also be another new face taking centre court; 18-year-old Felix Auger-Aliassime who has been described by Nadal as “one of the brightest rising stars in the game”. Auger-Aliassime’s reputation is continuing to grow after announcing himself on the world stage with a first semi-final appearance at the Miami Open earlier this year. The young Canadian was the youngster ever player to hold an ATP ranking in 2015 and will have lofty expectations this summer as he continues his rise in the game.
During the tournaments 25-year history, some of the sport’s best players have competed at The Hurlingham Club, including Grand Slam champions Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal and Stan Wawrinka, as well as tour favourites Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Kei Nishikori .
Charlie Grave at IMG said: “The Aspall Tennis Classic is one of the most unique and wonderful tournaments in the country, set on the stunning 42-acre grounds of The Hurlingham Club. The tournament offers spectators the chance to watch some of the world’s best players in an intimate environment as they play in a series of singles exhibition matches. It’s the perfect warm up to Wimbledon.”