MURRAY TRIES HIS HAND AT TEAM OWNERSHIP

Andy Murray has announced the launch of professional padel franchise Team AD/vantage.

The former world number one tennis player’s padel team – which is co-owned by AD Global Sports’ Arran Yentob and Murray’s former coach Dani Vallverdú – will compete at the upcoming Hexagon Cup tournament, which will take place in Madrid in February 2024 and carries a €1m prize pool.

Other teams confirmed to enter the tournament include the Rafa Nadal Academy by Richard Mille, RL9 by Barcelona footballer Robert Lewandowski, and a fan-led Hexagon Cup team.

According to a statement from the tournament organiser, ‘two final teams are being finalised and will be revealed next week.’

Murray, who has already shown an interest in the sport by investing into UK court operator Game4Padel, said, “I’m excited to become part of the ownership group for a team in the inaugural Hexagon Cup. I invested in Game4Padel a few years ago to help try and grow the sport in the UK – it’s already huge in South America, the Middle East and parts of Europe.

“I love the fact it’s easy to play, fun and social, so it will get people of all ages and abilities picking up a racket and giving it a go. I’m working with friends of mine at AD Global Sports, and together we’ll have fun over the next few years as we build a successful team and competition, while also helping grow the sport.”

Yentob commented, “The chance to be part of this exciting new tournament, with the team at the Hexagon Cup who we believe in, as well as reuniting Dani and Andy, was an opportunity we couldn’t resist, and that we hope will prove just as successful.”

Simon Freer, Chairman, Hexagon Cup, added, “It’s our honour to welcome Andy Murray, Arran Yentob, Dani Vallverdu and their Team AD/vantage entry to the Hexagon Cup. The goal of the Hexagon Cup is to celebrate the sport we love, whilst also growing its participation and popularity worldwide. Having such a sporting heavyweight as Andy involved will no doubt support our mission to take padel fever to new levels. We can’t wait to see this team take shape!”