Now in its fourth year, the Necker Cup tennis tournament will return to Necker Island this month for a week of sports-based fun and charitable giving hosted by superyacht owner Richard Branson.
Founded in 2012 as the world’s most exclusive Pro-Am tennis event, this year will see ATP and WTA veterans including Boris Becker, Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert and Marion Bartoli paired with amateur players to compete for the Necker Cup. Don’t worry if you’re not the world’s greatest athlete, a unique handicapped scoring system called ‘Richard’s Rules’ makes play competitive for everyone and even saw Branson beat Novak Djokovic in 2012.
The six-day event is held entirely on Necker Island with all participants staying within the resort. Of course, the private island has far more than tennis to offer and visitors are encouraged to make the most of their time by trying paddleboarding, sailing, scuba diving and a host of other activities during their stay.
On the final day of the cup the ATP and WTA professionals play each other in an exhibition match which is followed by a charity dinner, auction and “End of the World” party where entertainment will be provided by Sean Paul.
A portion of the proceeds from the event plus all profits from the auction will be donated to Virgin Unite, the National Tennis Foundation and other leading ATP/WTA charities. In the three years it has been running the Necker Cup has raised over $2.5 million for charity.
With places strictly limited to 16 teams of two you have until 15 November to submit your registration so don’t hesitate. Standard registration costs $110,000 for two people with $10,000 donated directly to charity. To find out more visit neckercup.com.