The most exciting private island sporting event of the year has just announced its roster of world-famous tennis players, with Novak Djokovic as the headliner.
(Image Courtesy of Vladi Private Islands)
Tennis aficionados should be thrilled at the recent announcement that top tennis pros including world number 2 ranked Novak Djokovic and the number 1 team in men’s doubles, the Bryan brothers, will be attending December’s Necker Cup. In what will no doubt become the most exclusive Pro-Am tournament on earth, Sir Richard Branson’s posh British Virgin isle is playing host to a spectacular 5-day event that will feature festive parties, inspiring discussions, and of course, plenty of unforgettable tennis.
“Necker Island is my home and favourite hideaway. So we’re pleased to announce this unique tennis experience and unforgettable all-inclusive five-day, four-night stay on my private island,” said Richard Branson in a public statement. Truly a place close to the business mogul’s heart, Necker has been his labor of love since he bought it in 1979. It was the site of his 1989 wedding to his wife Joan, and last year, his daughter Holly was married on exactly the same spot.
The Necker Cup will give guests access to all of the island’s luxurious amenities and a 60-person coterie of staff, and the deluxe island’s full charms will be on display during the event. Typically renting for USD $54,500 per week for the entire island, Necker is in a class of its own among the world’s elite vacation properties. Frequented by many famous stars, royals, and world leaders –Princess Diana, Kate Winslet, and Oprah, just to name a few – the island has also been the site of numerous celebrity weddings.
Guests will also have the opportunity to attend a tête-à-tête with Sir Branson, the headlining tennis pros and other participants, dubbed the Virgin Unite Leadership Retreat. Here, inspiring discussions and debates will be held at the Temple House (Branson’s private residence) on the island, covering various subjects that may include business, leadership, and world affairs.
(Image Courtesy of Vladi Private Islands)
To top the Necker Cup off, there will be a tongue-in-cheek nod to 2012 cataclysm theories with the amusingly-named finale, the “End of the World Party”. During the evening, an auction of tennis paraphernalia and travel experiences will be on offer, with 100% of the proceeds going to benefit select charities like Branson’s own Virgin Unite, and the National Tennis Foundation, which supports and nurtures gifted young tennis players from all walks of life.
The organizers certainly feel that the event is off to the right start. “Everything is shaping up to be an unforgettable week on Necker Island,” said Michael Richards, Director of Tennis at Necker and Co-Founder of the Necker Cup. “With the current players and now with Novak signing we are confident others will follow. We are sure to have an incredible collection of current and former tennis legends playing in the first Necker Cup.”
Visit the website for the Necker Cup: http://www.neckercup.com/
View the island rental listing for Necker Island: Vladi Private Islands
