Padel legend Carlos Almazán confirmed to play at the Alfred Dunhill Padel Classic
The Alfred Dunhill Padel Classic will be staged at the Hurlingham Club from 15-16 May
World championship runner-up Carlos Almazán to play in an exhibition match against Sir Andy Murray's Team AD/vantage
Team AD/Vantage lifted the Hexagon Cup (above) in Madrid
THE ALFRED Dunhill Padel Classic will feature one of the legends of the sport after it was confirmed that Carlos Almazán will be part of the Hexagon Cup team playing an exhibition match against a pair representing Sir Andy Murray's Team AD/vantage.
Almazán has had a long and illustrious playing career. A world championship runner-up with the Spanish National Team in 1994, 1996 and 2000. During this time, he was also French Open Champion (1997) and was part of the number two-ranked pairing in Spain. As a Senior, he has continued to excel, claiming world champion titles in 2018 and 2020 to ensure that Hurlingham Club members and invited guests will have a sporting highlight to remember at this year's inaugural event next month.
Founded by TTB Sport Capital the Alfred Dunhill Padel Classic will feature celebrities, padel professionals and a group of select teams competing over two days (May 15-16) in the grounds of the stunning Hurlingham Club, raising funds and awareness for Laureus Sport for Good, to help disadvantaged children around the world.
Dunhill have already been named as the title partner with the Classic also staging an unforgettable Mirabeau Endless Lunch on both days for invited guests.
Off the court, Almazán plays an important role in the sporting success of the Hexagon Cup as Sporting General Manager and Director of Institutional Relationships, which brings him to the Alfred Dunhill Padel Classic alongside team mate Enrique Buenaventura, the founder of the Hexagon Cup (below).
The two men will face a pair of Arran Yentob, Team AD/vantage owner, alongside Andy Murray, and John Leach, Team GB national coach on the first day of the tournament. The clash is all the more special as Team AD/vantage won the prestigious Hexagon Cup in Madrid earlier this year.
Now at the Alfred Dunhill Padel Classic, the rivalry will be reignited, and following the match the tournament will host the official UK presentation of the Hexagon Cup to Team AD/vantage by padel convert and cricketing legend Sir Andrew Strauss.
Arran Yentob said: “Winning the Hexagon Cup was a day we will never forget. So, to get the chance to relive the moment in the UK will be something very special.
“We were delighted when Charlie Grave and the team at The Alfred Dunhill Padel Classic presented us with the opportunity and we can’t wait to head down to the Hurlingham in May for the match and ceremony.”
Strauss is a recent convert to padel and as Executive Chairman of TTB Sport is one of the people behind staging The Alfred Dunhill Padel Classic.
“It’s going to be a real honour to welcome Andy Murray's Team AD/vantage to our event before handing over the trophy to them in front of a packed grandstand,” said Strauss. "Anyone who knows padel knows Carlos and as someone at the start of my padel journey, I will be studying the game with interest.
“This is the inaugural The Alfred Dunhill Padel Classic, so what a way to start with stars like Carlos in attendance. I know those lucky enough to be at Hurlingham have a treat in store.
“We are very proud of our event, and it is the first of a global rollout of Padel Classic Pro-Am competitions in the years ahead."
In addition to Strauss and Almazán a number of celebrities will be heading to the Hurlingham Club next month including cricketers Jimmy Anderson and Michael Vaughan, footballer Andrei Shevchenko and Rugby World Cup winner Bryan Habana.