Tennis stars support HSBC Championships Opened Up in aid of LTA Tennis Foundation
• 3 minute read
On Sunday 7 June, the HSBC Championships officially got underway with HSBC Championships Opened Up in support of LTA Tennis Foundation. The event welcomed fans behind the scenes during qualifying weekend while raising vital funds to help improve lives through tennis.
The day provided a unique opportunity for fans of all ages to experience the tournament up close, with children attending for free with a paying adult. Alongside qualifying matches, spectators were invited onto the Andy Murray Arena to enjoy an action-packed schedule of tennis, entertainment and interactive experiences.
Fans were also given a rare glimpse behind the scenes of elite tennis, with open practice sessions offering the chance to watch top players prepare. Among the highlights was British No.1 Emma Raducanu taking to the court to practise with Amanda Anisimova.
Team Ace vs Team Bounce
A standout moment of the day was a special charity exhibition match which took place on the Andy Murray Arena, featuring some of the world’s best players ahead of the HSBC Championships.
Players were split into two teams – Team Ace and Team Bounce – captained by HSBC Championships WTA Tournament Director Laura Robson and Sky Sport’s presenter Naomi Broady. Joining them on the benches were young people from LTA Tennis Foundation funded partners Greenhouse Sports and Give It Your Max, putting them right at the heart of the action.
Captains were supported by vice-captains from Heart Radio, Mark Wright and Zoe Hardman, adding to the fun, high-energy atmosphere.
Team Ace
- Captain: Laura Robson
- Vice-Captain: Zoe Hardman
- Players: Leylah Fernandez, Fran Jones, Mika Stojsavljevic, Belinda Bencic
Team Bounce
- Captain: Naomi Broady
- Vice-Captain: Mark Wright
- Players: Amanda Anisimova, Olivia Nichols, Elena Rybakina, Desirae Krawczyk
Match highlights
The fast-paced format featured two 20-minute doubles matches, designed to maximise excitement and entertainment for the crowd.
Leylah Fernandez and Francesca Jones opened proceedings against Amanda Anisimova and Olivia Nichols, before Mika Stojsavljevic and Belinda Bencic faced Elena Rybakina and Desirae Krawczyk.
Adding a twist, each team had three ‘joker cards’, allowing captains to substitute in vice-captains or even bring on one of the young participants. These moments created unforgettable experiences, as young players stepped onto court alongside world-class professionals - and more than held their own.
The matches combined high-quality tennis with a relaxed, entertaining atmosphere, offering a thrilling preview of the competition to come.
We want to offer as many special and unique moments to our partners as we can, as we know the positive impact they have. Watching those young people step out onto the court was incredible, from starting off hesitant to laughing and joking with some of the world’s best players.
The Impact
Beyond the on-court action, the day demonstrated the power of tennis to bring people together and create meaningful change. Funds raised will help LTA Tennis Foundation reach more people, supporting its mission to improve lives through tennis.
For the young people from Greenhouse Sports and Give It Your Max, the experience went far beyond a day at the tennis. Opportunities like this help build confidence, foster connections, and inspire a lifelong relationship with sport.
Adam Jessett, Tennis Head Coach at Greenhouse Sports, said: “Thank you so much for today and for the opportunity for the young people. It was incredible to see how much they got from the experience; they were absolutely buzzing afterwards.”
Tom Gibbins, Head of Foundation Development, said: “What an inspiring day for everyone. As well as being a grant giving charity, we want to offer as many special and unique moments to our partners as we can, as we know the positive impact they have. Watching those young people step out onto the court was incredible, from starting off hesitant to laughing and joking with some of the world’s best players. Playing on the Andy Murray Arena is a daunting experience, so opportunities like this help build self-belief, confidence and communication skills. We’re hugely grateful to the LTA for making it possible.”
Learn more about our impact
Head to our impact pages to learn more about the work the LTA Tennis Foundation is doing.
