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Queen's Club Championships
Sports

Queen's Club Championships

London’s classic grass court tennis event before Wimbledon

Photo: Daniel Cooper, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Each June in London, the Queen's Club Championships brings top tennis players together for a week of elite competition on grass. The tournament, now called the HSBC Championships, serves as a key lead-up to Wimbledon and includes both ATP and WTA 500 series events.

Drawn for Mela from this festival's own symbols.
  • Held annually in June as a lead-in to Wimbledon
  • Both ATP and WTA 500 series matches since 2025
  • Andy Murray holds the record with six championships
  • Centre Court seats nearly 9,000 spectators
  • Grass courts are among the least common in pro tennis

What it is

The Queen's Club Championships is a prestigious tennis tournament that takes place every year at The Queen's Club in West Kensington, London. Featuring both men’s and women’s professional matches since 2025, the event is a highlight of the grass court season. Many of the world’s leading players participate as they prepare for Wimbledon, which is held nearby shortly after. The event is known for its rich tradition, intimate setting, and the high level of play, making it a favourite among fans and athletes alike.

Where it comes from

This tournament began in the 1880s under a different name and location, starting as the London Athletic Club Open Tournament at Stamford Bridge. In 1890, it moved to The Queen's Club and gradually expanded its programme to include singles, doubles, and mixed doubles for both men and women. The competition was paused during both World Wars and saw various changes in its format and name over the years. After decades as a men’s-only event, the women’s tournament returned in 2025, marking a new era for Queen’s as it joined both the ATP and WTA 500 tours.

How it is celebrated

During the week of the Championships, spectators gather in West Kensington to watch matches played on meticulously maintained grass courts. The event hosts draws for singles and doubles, attracting large crowds who enjoy the close-up view of tennis stars in action. Fans can experience a lively atmosphere, with food, drinks, and merchandise available around the grounds. The BBC and streaming platforms provide extensive coverage, making it easy for those unable to attend in person to follow the action. School students from local institutions serve as ball girls, adding to the community’s involvement in the event.

Joining in

If you’re interested in attending, the main festivities are centered at The Queen’s Club in London. Tickets are in high demand, especially since both the men’s and women’s events draw large audiences and often sell out in advance. Expect a welcoming environment with nearly 9,000 seats available on Centre Court, and a chance to see top-ranked players up close as they fine-tune their grass court game before Wimbledon.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Queen's Club Championships, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

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This page was written with AI assistance from the sources listed above, and checked automatically before publishing. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.

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