While Andy Murray may have retired from professional tennis, his winning spirit continues to shine in the world of sports. On a thrilling Sunday in Madrid, a padel team co-owned by Murray and boxing champion Anthony Joshua secured a prestigious victory at the Hexagon Cup.
Advantage Padel Team Triumphs in Star-Studded Final
The Advantage Padel Team, owned by Murray and Joshua, lifted the Hexagon Cup trophy after a decisive 2–0 win in the best-of-three final. Their opponents were a team linked to former Manchester City and Argentina striker Sergio Aguero, who was present throughout the week-long event.
Owners Absent but Team Delivers
Despite the high-profile ownership, neither Murray nor Joshua could attend the final match at the Caja Magica in Madrid. Murray, now 38, sent a good luck message to his team beforehand, while Joshua has remained out of public events following the tragic death of close friends in a car crash in Nigeria late last year.
Even without their famous owners courtside, the Advantage Padel Team displayed remarkable composure and strategic play to claim victory at one of padel's most prominent tournaments.
Sergio Aguero's Presence and Reaction
Sergio Aguero was actively involved in the event, walking onto the court with the trophy before the final. After his team's loss, he graciously thanked the organizers and fans, stating, “I would like to thank the Hexagon Cup team, it has been a fantastic event. Last year we won, this year we didn’t, but I would also like to thank the whole team, our family and all the fans for cheering us on all week.”
The Growing Appeal of the Hexagon Cup
The Hexagon Cup features a unique team format with eight squads, bringing together top men’s, women’s, and Next Gen players. This inclusive approach has helped the event stand out in the rapidly growing world of padel.
Celebrity Involvement Highlights Sport's Rise
Interest from famous athletes continues to surge. Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski backs the RL9 Padel Team, which finished third. Team manager Tomasz Smokowski revealed Lewandowski's deep involvement, noting that the footballer asks for daily scores, even sending messages late at night.
Other notable owners include:
- Formula 1 driver Pierre Gasly
- Alpine president Loic Fery
- Actor Eva Longoria, who is part of another team
This blend of sports and entertainment underscores padel's rapid global expansion and increasing popularity among celebrities.
Padel's Global Expansion Beyond the Hexagon Cup
Away from Madrid, Premier Padel, owned by Qatar Sports Investments, showcased a special art-style padel court at Art Basel Qatar. QSI chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi emphasized the initiative's goal of uniting people and cultures through sport and creativity.
Furthermore, London is set to host a Premier Padel P1 event later this year, highlighting the sport's growing international reach and appeal.
