Newark, NJ—-A packed house in New Jersey witnessed two riveting exhibition matchups on Sunday, as Jessica Pegula and Frances Tiafoe came from behind to defeat Amanda Anisimova and Carlos Alcaraz in separate super tie-break finishes.
Pegula Turns the Tables on Anisimova
Amanda Anisimova looked in command early, riding her Wimbledon-finalist form to a 6–3 opening set against Pegula. The 24-year-old dictated from the baseline and appeared on her way to another marquee victory after a breakout season that ended with a career-high ranking of No. 4.
But Pegula, runner-up at this year’s US Open, refused to go quietly. The world No. 6 raised her level late in the second set, holding serve repeatedly under pressure and stealing a tense tie-break to force a deciding super breaker. With the crowd fully engaged, Pegula surged ahead in the final points and completed a 3–6, 7–6 (5), 10–8 comeback.
The meeting wasn’t the original plan. Anisimova had been scheduled to face Emma Raducanu, but Raducanu withdrew from both New Jersey and Miami exhibitions with a foot injury after ending her season early. Pegula stepped in as replacement—and delivered a win that sets up a rematch between the two Americans on Monday.
Tiafoe Edges Alcaraz in Power-Packed Clash
Earlier in the day, Frances Tiafoe and Carlos Alcaraz produced a wildly entertaining contest filled with pace, creativity, and crowd-pleasing shot-making. Tiafoe struck first, taking the opening set 6–3 behind aggressive returns and confident hitting. Alcaraz responded with his own surge in the second, switching gears and leveling the match 6–3.
The super tie-break that followed was full of fireworks. Both players traded winners and fist pumps, but in the closing moments, Tiafoe held steady, sealing a 6–3, 3–6, 10–7 victory to the roar of the New Jersey fans.
Fans Get Their Money’s Worth
Both exhibitions showcased high-level tennis and big personalities, with long rallies, creative angles and plenty of competitive fire. Pegula and Tiafoe each walked off with comeback victories, while Anisimova and Alcaraz left to loud applause after pushing their opponents to the limit.
More action awaits, as Pegula and Anisimova are set for a quick rematch on Monday, continuing a weekend that has given fans in New Jersey plenty to cheer about.
