The C&TH Guide To Boodles Tennis

2 years ago

Stoke Park's acclaimed boutique tennis event is back this summer

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Returning to the Buckinghamshire countryside from 27 June–1 July 2023 is the 22nd edition of Boodles Tennis, one of the highlights of the British social season. A five-day tennis event featuring the world’s leading tennis professionals from around the world, it takes place in the sprawling 300-acre Stoke Park, acting as an intimate warm up to the Wimbledon Championships. Read on for everything you need to know.

Boodles Tennis: The Ultimate Guide

The History

The first Boodles Tennis event took place back in 2002, quickly establishing itself as an important event on the British tennis calendar. In just its second year, the event saw Mark Philippoussis lifting the BDCC trophy before going on to appear in the Wimbledon final two weeks later. By 2005, players like Tim Henman and Maria Sharapova were taking part, ahead of appearances from Novak Djokovic and Fernando Verdasco in 2007, and Andy Murray in 2008. In 2012, record crowds attended, with 11 of the world’s top 20 players taking to the grass courts and, since then, it has continued to grow in critical acclaim.

Boodles Tennis 2023: What To Expect

Today the event remains as popular as ever, offering a unique and picturesque setting for elite tennis. The Boodles has the feel of an English garden party, with a relaxed atmosphere where champagne flows and tennis stars mingle with guests. The purpose-built stadium fits just 2,000 people, and no seats are further than 10 metres from the grass court, giving visitors a front row seat to the action.

Excitement for this year’s event is particularly high due to a pandemic-induced hiatus since 2019. Stoke Park’s new owners are working with event organisers ACE Group to bring the event back with a heightened experience, running in partnership with the long-standing titular sponsor Boodles Jewellers, who will be displaying some of its finest pieces. Sports presenter Di Stewart will also be returning to host the event.

The Tennis

The gates open at 11.30am daily, and the tennis starts at 2.30pm, with close of play expected at around 6.30pm (though the duration of matches varies). Opening hours are extended on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. While the appearance of specific players can’t be guaranteed, the 2023 event is primed to showcase some of the world’s top male tennis players. To give you an idea, in 2019, Novak Djokovic, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Denis Shapovalov were all in attendance.

Food & Drink

A wide range of food and drink will be on offer for guests, with a full garden menu set to be announced closer to the event. Hospitality packages are also available in both the Legends’ Enclosure and the Players’ Enclosure.

The Legends Enclosure package includes food and wine prepared by award-winning chef Chris Wheeler, plus reserved courtside seats offering unparalleled views of the tennis. You’ll also be treated to afternoon tea in your private area.

Even more lavish is the Players’ Enclosure package. Your day will kick off with a champagne reception while you browse the Boodles jewels on display, followed by a gourmet three-course lunch also cooked by Chris, plus a chance to watch interviews with the tennis stars before they take to the court. You can then enjoy the matches from your private courtside box.