The HSBC Championships at Queen’s Club has taken on a new atmosphere this year with the inauguration of the Andy Murray Arena and the return of a WTA 500 event after more than five decades. Andy Murray, a five-time winner in west London, is honored with an arena named after him. This year, 23-year-old Jack Draper, who considers Murray his idol, is aiming to become the first British champion at Queen’s Club since Murray himself.
“We just can’t get rid of him,” Draper commented about Andy Murray Arena. “He is a huge inspiration to me. I remember coming here, watching him play when I was very young. I had a photo of him with the trophy… Watching him play Wimbledon and the legacy he leaves behind is massive. He’s won here five times.”
Queen’s Club remains a prominent venue on the tour, having been awarded ATP 500 Tournament of the Year for three consecutive seasons at the ATP Awards. Located in west London and named after its first patron Queen Victoria, it boasts former winners like Rafael Nadal and Lleyton Hewitt.
This year marks the return of women’s tennis to Queen’s Club with a WTA 500 event preceding the men’s tournament. The event allowed top British women players Katie Boulter and Emma Raducanu to team up in doubles.
“I think it’s great they’re [able] to play in London,” said Draper regarding their participation. “It’s definitely something I’ve heard the British players wanted… I’ve been watching the women all week; it’s been great to see the level of play.”
Tournament Director Jamie Murray praised the positive impact of hosting both ATP and WTA events at Queen’s Club: “It seems like it’s been a great week, a really positive event for the WTA, for women’s tennis, and for British tennis in general,” he stated.
Andy Murray’s career achievements have made him deserving of his namesake stadium at Queen’s Club according to fans like Michael Clutterbuck: “The guy has a lot of prestige, he is Sir Andy Murray for a reason,” Clutterbuck said. “I think you have to give him something like this to honour and tribute his great career.”
Katie Boulter and Emma Raducanu played doubles at Queen’s Club this year.