Tennis fans are in for a spectacular treat this winter as Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu, two of the sport’s brightest stars, are set to headline the inaugural “A Racquet at the Rock” exhibition at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, on December 7, 2025. The one-night-only event, a historic first for the venue, will feature two electrifying matches, with Alcaraz facing off against Frances Tiafoe and Raducanu taking on Amanda Anisimova. This star-studded showcase, organized by Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment and Unified Events, promises to bring world-class tennis to a new audience, blending competitive flair with off-season excitement.
The event comes on the heels of a thrilling 2025 season for Alcaraz, the world No. 2, who has compiled an impressive 59-6 record, including six titles in Rotterdam, Monte-Carlo, Rome, the French Open, London, and Cincinnati. Fresh off a US Open semi-final run, where he faced Novak Djokovic, Alcaraz is no stranger to the spotlight. His matchup against Tiafoe, a two-time US Open semi-finalist and crowd favorite, is set to be a highlight, fueled by their competitive history and mutual respect. “It is always a lot of fun to be on the court with Frances. We love to compete against each other,” Alcaraz said, his enthusiasm evident. “I can’t wait to put on a great show for the fans in Newark. I’m looking forward to December 7 at Prudential Center; it will be a special night of great tennis.” The pair, who have clashed in exhibitions like the Charlotte Invitational in 2024, share a 2-1 head-to-head record in Alcaraz’s favor, promising a spirited encounter.
Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, will face Anisimova, a New Jersey native and 2025 Wimbledon finalist, in the evening’s opening match. Their clash carries extra weight after their recent collaboration in the US Open’s revamped mixed doubles event, where Raducanu and Alcaraz teamed up, capturing fans’ hearts despite a first-round loss to Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper. Anisimova, ranked No. 9, expressed her excitement about returning to her home state: “It’s a special feeling to return to the place where my tennis dreams first began. I am looking forward to playing against one of the best players in the world in Emma and having the opportunity to do so in my original home state of New Jersey.” Raducanu, ranked No. 35, is eager to regain momentum after a season of rebuilding, making this exhibition a pivotal moment to showcase her progress.
The Prudential Center, home to the New Jersey Devils, will transform its 17,000-capacity arena into a tennis spectacle, with matches structured as best-of-three sets and a 10-point super tiebreak for any deciding set. “It is a tremendous honor for our company, in partnership with Unified Events, to announce this debut of elite professional tennis at Prudential Center,” said Dylan Wanagiel, Vice President of Sports Properties and Special Events at HBSE. The event, with tickets starting at $60 and presale beginning September 8, is poised to draw a passionate crowd, capitalizing on the vibrant energy of New York-area tennis fans.
The pairing of Alcaraz and Raducanu has sparked particular excitement, amplified by their recent US Open mixed doubles partnership, which fueled speculation about their off-court chemistry. Despite Raducanu’s insistence that they are “just good friends,” their on-court synergy and shared history since their breakout 2021 US Open runs add an extra layer of intrigue. For Tiafoe and Anisimova, the event offers a chance to shine before a home crowd, with Tiafoe’s showmanship and Anisimova’s powerful game promising a thrilling complement to the headliners.
“A Racquet at the Rock” represents more than just an exhibition; it’s a celebration of tennis’s global appeal and Newark’s emergence as a sports destination. As Alcaraz, Raducanu, Tiafoe, and Anisimova prepare to take the court, fans can expect a night of dazzling rallies, infectious energy, and unforgettable moments, setting the stage for a memorable close to the 2025 tennis season.
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