In a rare and unexpected event, the tennis world was treated to a glimpse of what Carlos Alcaraz’s game would look like on the pickleball court. The setting? The Lotte Palace Hotel in Midtown Manhattan, where a select few guests had the opportunity to witness this unique spectacle. Alongside Alcaraz were tennis stars Taylor Fritz, Caroline Wozniacki, Elena Rybakina, and the legendary Andre Agassi, who has embraced pickleball with open arms.
Dressed in a collared shirt and slacks, Alcaraz may not have been dressed for athletic success, but that didn’t seem to matter as he stepped onto the court. With no warm-up and a crowd of well-dressed onlookers sipping on their Honey Deuce cocktails, Alcaraz displayed his natural talent from the very first point. His ability to vary the pace and control the game was evident as he partnered with Milan Rane from the Miami Pickleball Club to take on Fritz and Eric Oncins.
Despite the impromptu nature of the event, Alcaraz and Fritz held their own against the seasoned pickleball players. In a thrilling three-minute contest, Alcaraz and Rane emerged victorious, much to the delight of the spectators. Craig Melvin, one of the hosts of the Today Show, jokingly presented them with a trophy, dubbing it “Another silver medal” for the Spanish Olympian.
As quickly as they had arrived, the tennis stars departed, continuing their promotional tour of Manhattan. Left behind, the guests soaked in the atmosphere, savoring their Honey Deuces and feeling a sense of excitement as the US Open loomed on the horizon. The night had been an unexpected and delightful foray into the world of tennis and pickleball, courtesy of the charismatic and talented Carlitos.
