Andy Murray launches Hexagon Cup padel team
Tennis star Andy Murray is deepening his involvement with padel by launching Team AD/vantage, the fourth franchise team to enter the new Hexagon Cup tournament, taking place in Madrid in February.
The former world number one tennis player and multiple grand slam champion, who has already made an investment in padel in the UK with Game4Padel, is partnering with AD Global Sports for his latest sporting venture. Founded by Arran Yentob, and Dani Vallverdú, Andy’s former coach, AD Global Sports was set up to support the development of sports in the UK and globally.
Born under the motto ‘For the Fans. For the Players. For the Game’, the Hexagon Cup is a new padel tournament launched by the team behind Formula E. It will bring together the world’s top male, female and next generation players to compete for €1 million prize money, creating an exciting team competition and a ‘big show’ sporting experience for fans.
Another of the innovative aspects of the Hexagon Cup lies in its team model, in which each of the six teams will be chaired by a world-renowned figure from different sporting, business or entertainment industries. Other team owners already signed up include tennis great Rafa Nadal, Desperate Housewives actress Eva Longoria and Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski.
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.
Simon Freer, Chairman, Hexagon Cup,
Andy Murray, co-owner of Team AD/vantage, 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.”
Andy will help bring a new fan following to the tournament, which also counts the Rafa Nadal Academy by Richard Mille, RL9 by Barcelona footballer Robert Lewandowski, and a fan-led Hexagon Cup team as confirmed entries. Two final teams are being finalised.
In addition to Andy Murray, Team AD/vantage will bring in other ambassadors from the sports and entertainment space to support the team and add a UK flavour to the Hexagon Cup team roster.
Team AD/vantage co-owner Arran 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.”
Formula E
Dani Vallverdú was Andy’s coach from 2010 to 2014, during which time Andy won his first Olympic gold medal at London 2012, and two Grand Slams at the 2012 US Open and the 2013 Wimbledon Championships. Vallverdú has also coached Tomáš Berdych, Juan Martín del Potro, Stan Wawrinka, and most recently Grigor Dimitrov.
Many of the Hexagon Cup advisors, who include Enrique Buenaventura, Alejandro Agag, Alberto Longo, and Simon Freer were part of the original Formula E founding team, and have sports disruption, innovation, and creativity built into their DNA. All are passionate about respecting the true heritage of padel, whilst using their collective sporting experiences to drive the fanbase for the sport to new global audiences.
Simon Freer, Chairman, Hexagon Cup, said: “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!”
Each of the six Hexagon Cup teams has selected two franchise players, a male and a female who act as team captains.
Team owners along with their franchise players, will select the team’s remaining four team mates; one male, one female, and two ‘next gen’ (under 22 years old) during the player Draft, taking place at the end of November. In a unique decision, the fans will have the final responsibility to choose the players who will make up the Hexagon Cup team.
The tournament will see the Hexagon Cup’s six teams divided into two qualifying groups competing in a series of head-to-head matches. Only the top two teams from each group will advance to the finals, where the inaugural Hexagon Cup champion will be crowned, with a prize purse of €1 million up for grabs.
The first edition of the Hexagon Cup will take place at the historic Madrid Arena, an ideal setting to create a great spectacle. The event will include an attractive Fan Village with autograph signing sessions, player training areas, live concerts, entertainment, shops, exhibitions, food trucks and fine dining options. World-class VIP hospitality experiences will also be on offer, all designed to provide sports and entertainment fans with a truly unforgettable experience. 🎾
