County Week returns for 2023 as hundreds of players get set to hit the court

First played in 1895, County Week is one of the longest-running tennis tournaments. This year’s nationwide competition runs from Monday 24 to Friday 28 July when 44 counties across seven groups will compete at 13 grass court venues all over the UK.

With free admission for all spectators, County Cup week provides an opportunity to watch top-level players take part in a competition that has been graced by some of the most recognised names in British tennis including US Open champion and former Kent player, Emma Raducanu.

In addition, Harriet Dart (Middlesex), Jodie Burrage (Surrey), Ryan Peniston (Essex), Jack Draper (Surrey), Joe Salisbury (Surrey) and Dan Evans (Warwickshire) were all regulars on the County Cup circuit before their careers took off. Preceding that, Andy, Jamie and Judy Murray, Sue Barker and Tim Henman also represented their counties in this prestigious competition, as well as British No.1 doubles player, Alicia Barnett, who has been nominated to play for Gloucestershire at The East Gloucestershire Club, Cheltenham.

Draws

Find out more about the County Cup

County teams are organised into seven women’s groups and seven men’s groups, with teams for each tie consisting of three doubles pairs. This year will once again see over 200 ties and almost 2,000 rubbers played during the week, as 44 counties across Great Britain go head-to-head to earn promotion and avoid relegation from their respective groups.

Hertfordshire are the reigning men's champions after clinching the 2022 trophy, while Hertfordshire Ladies defeated Hampshire & IOW on the final day to win the women’s event and will be going in search of a hat-trick of tournament victories.

LTA Tournament Director Julie Piper said: “It is fantastic to be back for the 127th County Week. There is always a great atmosphere and real excitement amongst the players which is part of what makes this long-standing traditional event such a special part of the tennis calendar. Entry for spectators is free of charge and I would urge all those who are able to attend to do so and support the players and witness five days of hard-fought, competitive tennis.”

This year’s County Week also has the potential for new names to be added to the roll of honour, with Northumberland and Nottinghamshire ladies and Yorkshire men all aiming to win the overall title in the respective events for the first ever time.

The Eastbourne event at Devonshire Park is the pinnacle of the County Cup hosting Group 1, with a further 12 grass court venues around the country staging events for Groups 2 – 7 in each of the men’s and women’s competitions. The leading two counties in each group earn promotion to the group above them for the 2024 competition, with the bottom two counties relegated to the group below.