Category: Tennis

As the dust is beginning to settle on another fantastic WTA season, we take a look back at some of the best bits in the world of women’s professional tennis singles from 2023.

From maiden Grand Slam victories to three set battles, it was another wonderful and highly entertaining year in the women’s professional tennis season.

Sabalenka Triumphs Down Under

Back in January, the opening Grand Slam of the year took place in Australia and was a fantastic fortnight to kick off the tennis majors in 2023. Ashleigh Barty’s retirement, coupled with Angelique Kerber and Naomi Osaka’s absence due to pregnancy, left the 2023 women’s tennis draw very open, with Victoria Azarenka and Sofia Kenin as the sole former champions. Their paths crossed in the first round, where Azarenka emerged victorious in straight sets.

After two weeks of very highly competitive tennis, the final took place between Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina. In what was a titanic battle, Sabalenka secured her first major singles title with a score of 4–6, 6–3, 6–4. Sabalenka’s impressive performance throughout the tournament included dropping just one set, which happened during her championship match against Rybakina.

Świątek Defends in France

Iga Świątek, the defending champion, secured her third French Open title and fourth major title overall by defeating Karolína Muchová in a thrilling final with a score of 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 at the 2023 French Open. Świątek’s remarkable achievement made her only the third woman in the Open Era, following in the footsteps of Monica Seles and Naomi Osaka, to win her first four major finals. Additionally, she became the youngest woman to achieve this feat since Serena Williams in 2002.

Świątek also etched her name in history as the first player to successfully defend the French Open title since Justine Henin in 2007 and the first woman to defend a major title since Serena Williams at the 2016 Wimbledon Championships. Throughout the tournament, Świątek displayed exceptional form, dropping just one set in her path to the title, which happened during the final against Muchová.

Vondroušová Creates History in SW19

Markéta Vondroušová achieved a historical victory at the 2023 Wimbledon Championships by defeating Ons Jabeur in the final with a score of 6-4, 6-4. This triumph marked her first major singles title and her first title overall in six years. Vondroušová’s remarkable journey to the Wimbledon title included several historic achievements.

Vondroušová became the first unseeded female player to win the Wimbledon title, a feat not seen since Billie Jean King reached the final in 1963. Furthermore, her world ranking of #42 made her the second lowest-ranked finalist since the establishment of the WTA rankings in 1975. Winning the Wimbledon title also propelled Vondroušová into the top ten of the WTA rankings for the first time in her career.

Gauff Causes US Frenzy

Coco Gauff’s impressive victory at the 2023 US Open marked a significant moment in her career. She defeated Aryna Sabalenka in the final with a score of 2-6, 6-3, 6-2, clinching her first major singles title. Gauff’s achievement made her the first American teenager to claim the US Open title since Serena Williams did so in 1999.

Gauff also joined a select group of teenagers who won the US Open in the past five years, following in the footsteps of Bianca Andreescu in 2019 and Emma Raducanu in 2021. Notably, Aryna Sabalenka’s performance to reach the semi-finals meant that she became the first woman since Serena Williams in 2016 to reach at least the semi-finals in all four major tournaments during a single season.

Świątek Ends the Year on Top

The WTA Finals is the season-ending championship of the WTA Tour and took place in Cancun, Mexico this year. The tournament holds a prominent position in the annual tennis calendar, following the four major tournaments. This event showcases the elite eight singles players and the top eight doubles teams, who qualify based on their season-long performance.

In what was a highly competitive week of fantastic tennis, the Polish Iga Świątek came out as the victor, regaining the world ranking of #1 at the same time. Świątek dispatched American Jessica Pegula 6-1 6-0 in just under an hour in what was a flawless performance. In winning the tournament and finishing the week undefeated, Świątek pocketed $3,780,000 as a monetary prize, in addition to 1,500 points towards her WTA ranking.

There is much debate amongst tennis fans about who is the best to ever play the game. There’s plenty of names in contention for the top spot including Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Pete Sampras and, a blast from the past, Rod Laver. But probably one of the most prominent figures of tennis in the last ten years and certainly a man who has more than earned his right to be in this conversation, Serbian great Novak Djokovic.

So, who really is the best ever?

There is no doubt that all of these players have treated us to some spectacular tennis over the years, often battling it out against one another for the chance to win a Grand Slam. With only Nadal and Djokovic still playing, are they able to cement their position as greats in the sport, maybe even the greatest?

It’s only right to begin the conversation with Rod Laver, a man whose career started before many of the others were born. The Australian legend was ranked number one in the world for seven straight years between 1964 and 1970 as his career was one full of success. Nicknamed ‘Rocket’ he won a whopping 200 career titles with 11 Grand Slam Singles Titles and 9 Pro Slam Singles Titles, making him easily a contender for the greatest to have ever played tennis.

Next up, another man who retired over 20 years ago, Pete Sampras. The American picked up an incredible $43 million dollars in prize money throughout his career as well as a respectable 14 Grand Slam Singles Titles. Retiring in 2002, he is widely regarded as one of the tennis greats.

His career finished on a high after the US open when he defeated rival Andre Agassi. However, his place in the argument for one of the greats is disputed due to his preference for hard courts and grass. Should he have dominated across all surfaces to be eligible for the conversation?

A rival of Djokovic, Roger Federer’s reign in tennis was a magnificent one to say the least. In a career spanning over 24 years, the Swiss is one of the most well renowned to play the game with 103 career titles and 20 Grand Slam Singles Titles.

Even at the age of 40, he was still playing at the highest level and challenging for titles. His last appearance in a Grand Slam final was in 2019 when he was beaten by Djokovic at Wimbledon. A remarkable career that was played at such a high level for so long.

Rafael Nadal is another man from Djokovic’s era and like Federer he has been around for quite some time. The Spaniard continues into the later stages of his career at the age of 37, however, with 22 Grand Slam Singles Titles it has been an impressive one. Known as the ‘King of the Clay’ in 2022 he won a record 14th French Open title.

During a time that may mark the beginning of a new era for tennis as Nadal, Djokovic and others bring their careers to a close, we can certainly be grateful that Rafael Nadal treated us to some of the best tennis the world has seen.

But can anyone surpass Novak Djokovic? As the Serbian reaches his late thirties, he is still winning Grand Slams for fun. In the final Grand Slam of the 2023 season at the US open, Djokovic secured a record-breaking 24th Grand Slam Singles Title. He also won 3 out of the four Grand Slams in 2023 at the age of 36, only losing out at Wimbledon to Spaniard and possible successor Carlos Alcaraz.

The most Grand Slams ever by a male tennis player and the possibility for even more, it’s very difficult to argue that Djokovic is anything other than the greatest tennis player ever.

So what do you think? Is Novak Djokovic the best to play the game or is there someone else who has proven himself over the Serbian? No matter what your opinion is, Djokovic’s legacy and impact on the sport will live on for years to come even after his career ends.

Tennis fans across the world have only just recovered from an exhilarating two weeks at Wimbledon, but they’re already being served up another treat. The US Open gets underway in New York on Monday and we’re set for another fortnight of full-throttle action.

Novak Djokovic reminded us just how good he was at Wimbledon despite falling at the final hurdle and he’ll be seeking revenge on Carlos Alcaraz, the new kid on the block. Meanwhile, Marketa Vondrousova is targeting the unlikeliest of doubles following her shock Wimbledon win – but there’s a strong list of contenders standing in her way.

Ahead of the competition at Flushing Meadows, we’ve taken a look at the contenders that are set to battle it out for both the men’s and women’s titles.

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Djokovic and Alcaraz to resume rivalry

After seemingly passing the baton to Alcaraz at Wimbledon last month, Djokovic is desperate to show the world that he’s not quite finished yet. Despite the defeat in SW19, the Serbian played some of the best tennis of his career and he remains the favourite to claim his fourth US Open title.

Djokovic is targeting his 24th Grand Slam, and his third this year, and he’ll be looking to bounce back in style following Wimbledon. He showed that Alcaraz doesn’t quite have his number yet as he came from a set down to beat him in the Cincinnati Masters final last weekend.

But Alcaraz will be looking to continue the startling form that saw him claim his second major title in south London. The 20-year-old is looking to retain his crown in New York having defeated Casper Ruud a year ago. Following his win at Wimbledon, it’s clear that Alcaraz is the future star of tennis – but Djokovic’s recent form has shown that he’s not quite ready to step away from the top table.

Who else could challenge for the US Open?

World No. 3 Daniil Medvedev’s only Grand Slam title came at the US Open back in 2021. The Russian has enjoyed a strong season and he battled well as he ultimately lost in straight sets to Alcaraz in the semi-finals at Wimbledon.

Djokovic’s semi-final opponent Jannik Sinner is also a contender to keep an eye on. At 22, he’s another star with a bright future and he reached the quarter-finals this time last year. The Italian followed up his final four showing at Wimbledon by winning the Canadian Open earlier this month, defeating Andy Murray in the round of 16.

Despite withdrawing from the Cincinnati Masters, Murray looks set to compete at Flushing Meadows. The British legend won the competition back in 2012 and while he won’t expect to repeat history this time around, he’ll still secretly be dreaming of a fairytale few weeks in what will likely be one of his final US Open appearances.

Can Vondrousova defy the odds again?

The world of tennis was in shock last month as Vondrousova became the first unseeded player to ever win the Wimbledon’s women’s singles title. The Czech comfortably dispatched Ons Jabeur in straight sets to claim her first Grand Slam title.

Vondrousova, who is ranked ninth in the world, will be looking to spring another surprise and make it two out of two at the US Open, where she’s never made it past the fourth round.

Standing in her way will likely be World No. 1 Iga Swiatek, who is targeting back-to-back US Open titles. The four-time Grand Slam winner put a disappointing Wimbledon quarter-final exit behind her by racing to victory in the Poland Open, winning every set in the process.

This year’s Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka will also fancy her chances and she’ll be keen to avenge a semi-final defeat to Swiatek this time last summer. Elsewhere, Elena Rybakina will be looking to add the US Open to last year’s Wimbledon title, although she’ll need to improve in New York, having never got as far as the fourth round.

US stars Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula will be well supported on home soil. Meanwhile, shock 2021 winner Emma Raducanu will be absent as she recovers from wrist surgery.

We’re delighted to announce that we are offering official hospitality packages for the most prestigious and historic tennis tournament in the world, The Championships, Wimbledon in 2024. 

Watched by millions across the globe, Wimbledon is the highlight of the summer grass season in the UK. Every tennis player aspires to make it onto the famous Centre Court at SW19 and you can be there next year with several luxurious hospitality packages to choose from with Engage.

The action that unfolded at Wimbledon in 2023 will live long in memory. Those lucky enough to be at The Championships for the Men’s Wimbledon Final saw the dawn of a new era on the men’s tour when Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz ended Novak Djokovic’s 10-year winning streak on the famous Centre Court.  

Despite falling behind twice in the match, the 20-year-old was able to conjure up the fight and spirit to come back and win his first Wimbledon title in a five-set match that will go down alongside some of the greatest finals ever played at Wimbledon.  

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In the women’s draw there were several unexpected twists and turns on the way to final, all playing into the hands of Markéta Vondroušová who became just the third woman from the Czech Republic to lift the famous Venus Rosewater Dish. There were also heart-warming moments for USA’s Christopher Eubanks during his unbelievable run to the Quarter Finals and Andy Murray who won an all-British match-up with Ryan Peniston on Centre Court during the first week of the tournament.  

As we begin to turn our attention to the next incredible two weeks of The Championships at the beginning of July 2024, the tournament may be one of the hardest to predict in a long time. Novak Djokovic and Ons Jabeur will both be out for revenge after falling agonisingly short in their finals. Meanwhile both sides of the draw possess a plethora of amazing young talents, including Jannik Sinner and Coco Gauff, who will all be wanting follow Alcaraz’s lead and create their own piece of history at the biggest tournament on the tour.

Whether it’s a corporate day out or a special treat for friends or family, we can offer a fantastic range of hospitality packages for you in 2024. The Lawn offers you and your guests private tables to soak up the sunshine in a relaxed, spacious facility, while the award-winning Rosewater Pavilion packages are conveniently located with beautiful landscapes and relaxed lounges. 

Alternatively, packages at The Treehouse, perched above The Lawn, are designed to give you the freedom to enjoy the day with short strolls to the headline courts, a roaming menu and live DJs to heighten the atmosphere, or you can treat your guests to luxurious private areas within Centre Court at the Skyview Suites. 

Every package we have ensures a world-class experience that will make your day at The Championship, Wimbledon an unforgettable one in 2024. 

Monday 1 July – The Championships, Wimbledon 2024 – Day 1

Tuesday 2 July – The Championships, Wimbledon 2024 – Day 2

Wednesday 3 July – The Championships, Wimbledon 2024 – Day 3

Thursday 4 July – The Championships, Wimbledon 2024 – Day 4

Friday 5 July – The Championships, Wimbledon 2024 – Day 5

Saturday 6 July – The Championships, Wimbledon 2024 – Day 6

Sunday 7 July – The Championships, Wimbledon 2024 – Day 7

Monday 8 July – The Championships, Wimbledon 2024 – Day 8

Tuesday 9 July – The Championships, Wimbledon 2024 – Day 9

Wednesday 10 July – The Championships, Wimbledon 2024 – Day 10

Thursday 11 July – The Championships, Wimbledon 2024 – Ladies’ Semi-Finals

Friday 12 July – The Championships, Wimbledon 2024 – Men’s Semi-Finals

Saturday 13 July – The Championships, Wimbledon 2024 – Ladies’ Final

Sunday 14 July – The Championships, Wimbledon 2024 – Men’s Final

While we sell official hospitality to The Championships, we are not an official hospitality provider to the AELTC or The Championships, we are an authorised re–seller of the Official Exclusive Hospitality Provider to The Championships.

Another thrilling two weeks at Wimbledon has come to an end and tennis has some new heroes to admire.

Carlos Alcaraz announced himself to English fans as he strolled to his first Wimbledon title, beating Novak Djokovic in an action-packed men’s final. Meanwhile, Marketa Vondrousova was the unlikeliest winner in the women’s final, defeating Ons Jabeur on Saturday.

Andy Murray continued his comeback from the injury but he couldn’t mastermind a fairytale title run as he crashed out to Stefanos Tsitsipas in the second round.

But there was some homegrown success as Henry Searle became the first Brit to win the boys’ singles since 1962. Neal Skupski claimed another win for the UK as he went all the way in the men’s doubles alongside Wesley Koolhof, while Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid claimed the wheelchair doubles title.

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New kid on the block

As Djokovic strolled to a comfortable 6-1 win in the first set, it seemed as though the occasion was too much for Alcaraz in his first Wimbledon final. But once the 20-year-old got in the groove, there was no stopping him.

Having won at Queen’s last month, Alcaraz continued his glittering form on grass and claimed his second Grand Slam title in one of the greatest Wimbledon finals in history.

A tie-break win in the second set followed by a 6-1 trouncing put him in the driving seat, before a Djokovic comeback set up a thrilling final set. And a supportive crowd fired Alcaraz to victory as he made his mark on Wimbledon, setting the tone for what could be years of dominance in the sport.

The world number one dropped just two sets prior to the final and he brushed Daniil Medvedev aside in straight sets in the semis. It was just the fourth grass tournament of Alcaraz’s career and if his showing in the final was anything to go by, there will be plenty more Wimbledon titles to come.

Djokovic has still got it

Despite being 36 years old and in the twilight of his career, Djokovic arguably played the best tennis of his career over the past fortnight. Prior to his five-set showdown with Alcaraz, the Serbian dropped just two sets on his way to the final.

Sunday’s final was the first time Djokovic had tasted defeat on Wimbledon’s centre court since his 2013 loss against Murray. It puts an end to his bid to win all four Grand Slams this year, having already claimed the Australian and French Opens.

Djokovic’s loss to Alcaraz did feel like a symbolic handing over of the torch. However, with 23 Grand Slams under his belt and likely one or two more to come, he isn’t done yet and has made it clear he has no intentions of retiring any time soon.

Vondrousova makes history

It wasn’t just Alcaraz making headlines at Wimbledon this weekend. Vondrousova stunned the tennis world as she became the first unseeded player ever to win the women’s singles title.

The Czech was taking part in her second Grand Slam final and she comfortably beat last year’s runner-up Jabeur in straight sets to put an injury-hit year behind her.

Vondrousova had never previously reached the fourth round at Wimbledon but she swept all before her at SW19, including triumph over fourth-ranked Jessica Pegula in the quarter-finals.

Jabeur was bidding to go one better after losing in last year’s final to Elena Rybakina, who she dispatched in this year’s quarter-final. But the nerves seemed to get the better of the Tunisian, who has now lost all three of her major finals.

World No.1 Iga Świątek disappointingly bowed out in the quarter-finals to Elina Svitolina. Meanwhile, British hopes Katie Boulter and Jodie Anna Burrage lost in the early rounds.

End of an era

While Djokovic is showing no signs of slowing down, Alcaraz’s brilliance signalled that a changing of the guard is underway in world tennis. This year’s Wimbledon Championships was the first since 1997 that did not feature either Roger Federer or Serena Williams.

Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal’s plan to retire next year coupled with Murray’s injury setbacks leaves Djokovic as the only remaining member of the ‘big four’ still at the top of their game.

A few years ago, tennis fans would have been forgiven for harbouring concerns that the sport wouldn’t quite be as good without the likes of Federer and Djokovic battling it out for titles.

However, over the past few weeks, Alcaraz has shown that the future is bright and tennis is in good hands for the next generation.