Tennis

Carlos Alcaraz Shows Off Pickleball Skills in ManhattanNEW YORK—Tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz showcased his impressive pickleball abilities at an exclusive event in Midtown Manhattan on Thursday evening. Alongside fellow tennis stars Taylor Fritz, Caroline Wozniacki, Elena Rybakina, and pickleball enthusiast Andre Agassi, Alcaraz delighted guests with a brief but entertaining pickleball exhibition.Despite being dressed in formal attire, Alcaraz displayed remarkable natural talent on the court. Partnering with Milan Raine of the Miami Pickleball Club, he faced off against Fritz and Eric Oncins, another Miami pickleball pro. The rallies were fast-paced and competitive, with Alcaraz demonstrating his exceptional court coverage and shot-making skills.Although Alcaraz had no prior warm-up, he quickly adapted to the game's unique rules and strategies. He displayed a keen understanding of when to accelerate the pace and when to slow it down, keeping his opponents on their toes.After a thrilling three-minute match, Alcaraz and Raine emerged victorious. Today Show hosts Craig Melvin and Sheinelle Jones presented them with a trophy, jokingly referring to it as "another silver medal" for the Spanish Olympian.The tennis stars' brief appearance at the event left guests feeling energized and excited for the upcoming US Open. The exhibition provided a glimpse into the versatility and athleticism of these world-class athletes, showcasing their ability to excel in different sports.

Pickleball, the rapidly growing court sport, has sparked a debate with tennis, drawing comparisons and highlighting their distinct appeal. Former world No. 1 tennis player Andre Agassi believes pickleball fulfills a unique need for participation and inclusivity."In tennis, if you have a weekend match and I offer you tickets to a top-level match, you'll likely choose to watch," Agassi explained. "But with pickleball, people prioritize playing over watching, emphasizing the participatory nature of the sport."Agassi, along with other tennis and pickleball stars, participated in an exhibition match in New York City, showcasing the sport's accessibility and social aspect. "Pickleball allows people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to enjoy the game," said professional pickleball player Ryan Sherry.Agassi acknowledged that tennis remains the "premiere racquet sport," but he also recognized the benefits of pickleball. "It's a sport that translates culture, breaks down barriers, and fosters community," he said.While pickleball has gained popularity, Agassi believes it has also benefited tennis clubs. "People come to play pickleball and end up discovering tennis," he said. "It's a sport that can save clubs and introduce new people to the world of racquet sports."Agassi emphasized that pickleball's inclusivity and participatory nature make it an ideal sport for people of all ages and abilities. "There's not much I can do at my age and get better at," he said. "But with pickleball, I can still enjoy the game and improve my skills."

Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, two of the most dominant forces in tennis, are set to clash once again in a highly anticipated charity exhibition match ahead of the U.S. Open. The event, titled "Stars of the Open," will take place on August 21 during the U.S. Open Fan Week.Djokovic, the reigning Olympic gold medalist, will team up with tennis legend John McEnroe, while Alcaraz, the reigning French Open and Wimbledon champion, will join forces with Andre Agassi. The match promises to be a thrilling spectacle, featuring four players who collectively hold 43 Grand Slam titles.For Djokovic, this exhibition comes after his historic victory in Paris, where he completed the Career Golden Slam by securing his first Olympic gold. With 24 major titles already under his belt, he heads into the U.S. Open aiming to extend his record to 25."Everything I felt in that moment when I won surpassed everything I thought or hoped that it would," Djokovic said after winning the gold medal. "Being on that court with the Serbian flag raising, singing the Serbian anthem, with the gold around my neck, I think nothing can beat that in terms of professional sport. It definitely stands out as the biggest sporting achievement I have had."Alcaraz, despite his young age, has also had an impressive season, capturing both the French Open and Wimbledon titles before taking silver in Paris. This exhibition will allow both players to showcase a lighter side of their game while giving back to the sport.A portion of the proceeds from the ticket sales will benefit the USTA Foundation, contributing to tennis development programs across the United States. The match is part of a broader celebration during the U.S. Open Fan Week, including various entertainment events and opportunities for fans to engage with their favorite players before the tournament.

Iga Swiatek, the world's top-ranked female tennis player, recently had a memorable encounter with tennis legends Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf at the Cincinnati Open. The trio posed for a photo, showcasing their combined 35 Grand Slam singles titles.Swiatek, who has been a fan of Graf since childhood, expressed her admiration for the German-born champion. She cited Graf's mentality as an inspiration, despite the differences in their playing styles."It's hard to compare our styles," Swiatek said. "We're playing in different eras of tennis. But I admire her mentality."Agassi, a three-time Cincinnati singles champion, was also present at the tournament to celebrate its 125th anniversary. Swiatek expressed her desire to emulate Agassi's success in Ohio, where he has won both singles and doubles titles.The following day, Swiatek displayed her own dominance on the court, defeating No. 15 seed Marta Kostyuk in straight sets to reach the quarterfinals. Her performance was reminiscent of Graf's ruthless style of play.Swiatek's meeting with Agassi and Graf has been a highlight of her season. She has long admired the legends and is eager to learn from their experiences. As she continues her pursuit of Grand Slam glory, Swiatek will undoubtedly draw inspiration from the accomplishments of these tennis icons.

Andre Agassi and Lindsay Davenport graced the Cincinnati Music Hall on Saturday, reminiscing about their illustrious careers and unveiling scholarships in their honor as part of the 125th anniversary celebration of tennis in Cincinnati.The gala dinner transported guests back to 1899, the inaugural year of the Cincinnati tournament. Actors portrayed the era, while tributes honored champions from the Open Era and beyond.Agassi and Davenport captivated the audience with their candid conversation moderated by Jon Wertheim. Their Hall of Fame journeys intertwined, from their world No. 1 rankings to their Olympic gold medals in 1996. In 2004, they triumphed together at the Cincinnati Open."Cincinnati was a tournament you always watched on TV," said Davenport, who broke the women's title drought in 1988. "I loved the facility and the history. It felt special to bring women's tennis here."Since then, the Cincinnati Open has evolved into a prestigious 1000-level event, hosting tennis legends like Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Serena Williams. A $260 million investment and a 25-year deal will transform the Lindner Family Tennis Center, making the tournament a two-week spectacle from 2025 onwards."The crowd turnout was always fantastic," recalled Agassi, who overcame Andy Roddick and Lleyton Hewitt in thrilling three-setters in 2004. "The intensity and competition were palpable. I loved the atmosphere and the surface."Agassi and Davenport's post-retirement paths have mirrored their playing careers. Agassi will lead Team World at the Laver Cup, while Davenport captains the U.S. Billie Jean King Cup team."I'm excited about the American players," said Davenport. "This is their time to shine. We have a huge tournament here in the United States, and they appreciate the fan support."The evening culminated in the announcement of scholarships in Agassi and Davenport's names. Four winners will receive $5,000 each annually to support after-school nutrition, math and literacy, and tennis instruction.

Andre Agassi, the legendary tennis icon, will take over as Team World Captain for the Laver Cup in 2025, succeeding John McEnroe. Agassi's appointment marks a significant shift in the leadership of the prestigious team competition.Agassi, an eight-time Grand Slam champion and former world No. 1, brings a wealth of experience and charisma to the role. His exceptional achievements on the court, coupled with his popularity among fans, make him an ideal choice to lead Team World."Andre is an icon of our sport," said Tony Godsick, Chairman of Laver Cup and CEO of TEAM8. "His outstanding achievements on the court, character, and popularity with fans around the world make him the perfect choice to take over from John next year."McEnroe, who has captained Team World since the Laver Cup's inception in 2017, will step down after the 2024 event. He has been instrumental in the team's success, guiding them to their first victory in 2022 and a dominant title defense in 2023."I am truly honored to accept the invitation to become the Laver Cup Team World Captain," said Agassi. "In just seven short years since the Laver Cup began, it's been so enjoyable for fans, including myself, to watch the greats of the game team up and compete against one another in this incredible team environment."Agassi will make his debut as Team World Captain at the 2025 Laver Cup, facing off against Bjorn Borg's Team Europe. McEnroe will serve as captain for one more year, leading Team World against Team Europe in Berlin in 2024."I want to congratulate Andre on becoming the next Team World Captain, I know he is the right man for the job," said McEnroe. "The Laver Cup is very special to me, a truly incredible competition that I love being a part of. I will be rooting for him and Team World and will support him however I can."Borg, who has captained Team Europe since the Laver Cup's inception, will also step down after the 2024 event. Under his leadership, Team Europe won the first four Laver Cup events.The Laver Cup has quickly become a staple of the tennis calendar, providing fans with an unforgettable spectacle of team competition. The event features some of the greatest players in the world, competing in a unique format that combines singles and doubles matches.

Karen Khachanov, the former world No. 8, is currently navigating a rebuilding season after injuries disrupted his promising start to 2023. However, amidst his on-court challenges, Khachanov has remained committed to supporting causes close to his heart, collaborating with fellow tennis stars and legendary figures.Khachanov's Armenian heritage has been a driving force behind his philanthropic endeavors. Partnering with Homenetmen Glendale Ararat, he organized a "charity match" with Andrey Rublev, the 2023 ATP Fan Favorite Doubles Team, to raise funds for Artsakh refugees. The event, held between the BNP Paribas Open and Miami Open, raised an impressive $100,000."I've always expressed my support for Armenia and Artsakh," Khachanov explained. "It's important for me to be attached to this country."Khachanov's support for Armenia extends beyond the tennis court. He frequently writes messages on the camera lens after match victories and has previously collaborated with Homenetmen Glendale Ararat.In addition to his charitable work, Khachanov also had the opportunity to connect with tennis legend Andre Agassi at a gala dinner preceding the charity match. The eight-time Grand Slam champion shared his insights and advice with Khachanov, who was eager to learn from the icon."I was surprised by how much he's into tennis," Khachanov said of Agassi. "He knows everything about everybody. It was great to hear his advice and consider some changes."Khachanov's commitment to both his sport and his philanthropic pursuits is a testament to his character. As he continues his rebuilding season, he will undoubtedly draw inspiration from the support of his fans and the causes he holds dear.