Madison Square Garden—-Emma Navarro and Carlos Alcaraz, both with ties to New York City, stole the spotlight on Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden, one of the world’s most iconic arenas.
Competing for the Garden Cup, Navarro, a New York City native, defeated Jessica Pegula, who had recently reached the US Open final in Queens, with a 7-6, 7-5 victory.
Reflecting on her return to the city, Pegula expressed her excitement, saying, “Brings back so many good memories, so many emotions. I can’t believe we’re here at the Garden, playing tennis. It’s so cool.”
Throughout the match, Pegula attempted to counter Navarro’s play with drop shots—a move famously used by Alcaraz—though she wasn’t as successful as the Spaniard. After the first set, Pegula admitted to Tennis Channel’s Prakash Amritraj, “I tried to channel Carlitos, and it’s not working.”
Navarro found an unusual yet effective strategy of her own—seeking advice from a fan sitting courtside on where to return during a crucial break point. Alcaraz, however, had more success with the drop shot, delivering a 4-6, 6-2, [1-0] win over American Ben Shelton.
The world No. 3, who won his first Grand Slam title at the US Open two years ago, followed Navarro’s triumph with a performance that had the crowd buzzing. Afterward, Alcaraz said with a huge smile, “I’m trying to make the people enjoy watching tennis. I hope the people enjoyed the match, and that’s what I try to do every time.”
The event, which featured a star-studded crowd, was attended by high-profile figures including fashion icon Anna Wintour and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
As for what’s next for the players, Alcaraz, who will continue his exhibition tour in Charlotte, N.C. on Friday, is already focused on the Australian Open, the one Grand Slam title still missing from his collection.
“We got some Spaniards and Italians to chase out in front of us,” said Shelton, who with fellow Americans Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe, is determined to challenge Alcaraz in the coming year. “We’re coming, we’re definitely coming.”
Navarro, who had a breakout season in 2024 with career-best results at all four Grand Slams, including her first major semifinal at the US Open, was equally at home under the bright lights. “Just so special to be here playing in this arena,” she said. “It’s insane. We came to the Knicks game last night, now they have a tennis court.”
