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Rolex watch among 'high-value' items stolen from tennis stars' Eastbourne hotel

Rolex watch among 'high-value' items stolen from tennis stars' Eastbourne hotel - GETTY IMAGES
Rolex watch among 'high-value' items stolen from tennis stars' Eastbourne hotel - GETTY IMAGES

The Eastbourne tennis tournament has been marred by a theft, after two players had "a number of high-value items" - including a Rolex watch - stolen from their hotel rooms earlier this week.

World No 15 Diego Schwartzman of Argentina and Spain's Pedro Martinez, who were doubles partners at Queen's last week, were both victims of the theft from the Hydro Hotel earlier this week.

Schwartzman was seen reporting the crime to police at around 11pm on Monday night, from the lobby of the hotel. Sussex Police subsequently confirmed the events.

"We can confirm we received reports of two separate burglaries at the Hydro Hotel in Mount Road, Eastbourne, on Monday 20 June," a force statement read. "A number of high value items including watches and bags were stolen, along with cash and some personal items. The incidents are being investigated and we have no further information at this time."

Martinez went on to win his singles match on Tuesday afternoon, but said the ordeal had affected him mentally. "Yes, it was difficult," he said. "I had a watch stolen from my room yesterday and Schwartzman had some items also stolen from his room. I had a bad night [on Monday], that's the truth. I didn't sleep. Today was difficult to prepare [for] the match but I just tried to focus on playing.

"When I arrived in the room I realised that my watch wasn't there. I searched throughout the room, it was not there and when I went to reception to communicate to the people, then Diego came 15 minutes after, telling the same."

Martinez plays Briton Ryan Peniston in the last-16 on Wednesday, while Schwartzman is matched up against Jack Draper.

The Spaniard said he had little faith in his watch - which is worth upwards of £4,000 - being recovered. "I think it's really difficult, they didn't have cameras in the corridors," the world No 49 said. "I had [the watch] one year-and-a-half already. I bought it when I [made] third round at Roland Garros for the first time. It was sentimental, yes, because it was from there. But what can I do?"

The Hydro Hotel, which is acting as a base for a number of players at Eastbourne this week, has been contacted for comment.