While the US Open, a major grand slam tennis event in Queens, New York, is well-known, area tennis lovers are in for a treat: two upcoming events will feature eight of the sport’s biggest stars competing in unique matches on back-to-back days, making it a must-see for fans.
On Sunday, December 7, grand slam winner Carlos Alcaraz will be joined by Americans Frances Tiafoe, Jessica Pegula, and Amanda Anisimova for the inaugural’ A Racquet at The Rock’ at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, providing fans with a distinct event date and venue.
“Carlos and I have played many incredible matches on the biggest stages,” Tiafoe said about Alcaraz. “We always bring out the best in each other, and I look forward to putting on a show for the great fans in the tri-state area on December 7 at the inaugural ‘A Racquet at The Rock.’”
The event will feature two singles matches and a third mixed singles contest, along with a heartfelt tribute to trailblazing sports icon Althea Gibson, the first Black player in the US Nationals in 1953, whose five Grand Slam titles in the 1950s continue to inspire admiration.
“On behalf of the Althea Gibson Estate, we are deeply grateful for this thoughtful tribute,” said Michelle Tatum-Curry, Administrator, The Estate of Althea Gibson, Founder, Althea Gibson Sports & Education Foundation, in a statement. “To see each player receive a commemorative plaque in Althea’s honor is a touching acknowledgment of her enduring influence on the game and the barriers she broke along the way. It’s significant to have her legacy celebrated here in New Jersey, the place she proudly called home.”
At Madison Square Garden the following day, four-time grand slam champion Naomi Osaka will face World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the return of the Garden Cup, with the event offering an excellent opportunity for fans to see top players in action and cheer for their favorites.
“Playing at Madison Square Garden has a special meaning for a tennis player,” Osaka said in a statement. “The history there is unmatched in sports, and I am looking forward to playing Aryna.”
AloJapan.com