The upcoming LTA Summer County Cup is set to commence next week, featuring the participation of numerous tennis players from 44 counties throughout Great Britain in 2024. This esteemed competition, which has been in existence since 1895, was regrettably cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic, marking the first disruption since the World Wars. Nevertheless, the event is now reinstated on the tennis calendar, with matches scheduled from Monday 22nd to Friday 26th July.
The County Week will occur at 12 grass court venues across the UK, offering complimentary admission for all spectators. This provides an exceptional opportunity to witness top-tier athletes in action, as the event has been graced by tennis luminaries who have gone on to achieve global acclaim.
Throughout its extensive history, the County Cup has witnessed the participation of Wimbledon luminaries such as Henry Patten, Billy Harris, Jacob Fearnley, Harriet Dart, Jack Draper, Joe Salisbury, and Dan Evans before they ascended to the pinnacle of the sport. Memorable moments in the competition’s history encompass the appearance of world No 3, Andy Murray, at Eastbourne in 2010, where he competed alongside his brother Jamie on behalf of an injury-stricken North of Scotland team.
The event comprises seven women’s groups and seven men’s groups, with each tie showcasing three doubles pairs. Over 200 ties and almost 2,000 rubbers will transpire during the week, as teams vie for promotion and seek to avert relegation from their respective groups.
Surrey and Hertfordshire are the reigning champions in the men’s and women’s divisions, respectively, and will encounter formidable opposition from other counties. Notably, North of Scotland and Northamptonshire will rejoin the Group One event in the men’s section, while Yorkshire and Middlesex will ascend to the elite group in the women’s category in 2024.
The premier Group 1 matches will be conducted at Devonshire Park in Eastbourne, with six women’s and six men’s teams contending for the 2024 County Cup honours. LTA Tournament Director Julie Piper conveyed her enthusiasm for the event, emphasizing the superb ambiance and fervour among the players, while urging spectators to attend and support the participants.
In conjunction with Devonshire Park, additional grass court venues throughout the country will host events for Groups 2 – 7, with the top two counties in each group securing promotion for the ensuing year. New venues for this year’s competition encompass not only Devonshire Park, but also the AELTC Wimbledon Qualifying and Community Sports Centre Roehampton, and the AELTC Community Tennis Centre at Raynes Park.
The competition itinerary, encompassing events for both the men’s and women’s categories, is comprehensive, catering to a diverse range of teams from various counties. Spectators can revel in complimentary entry and are assured of witnessing five days of hard-fought, competitive tennis proceedings.
Given the illustrious history and tradition of the County Cup, the return of this year promises to be a riveting and highly competitive affair, showcasing the finest British tennis talent nationwide.