Tennis fans in New Jersey and beyond are buzzing as "A Racquet at The Rock" prepares to serve up a star-studded night at the Prudential Center in Newark on Sunday, December 7, 2025. This inaugural event promises not just top-tier tennis action, but a celebration of the sport’s rich history and its future, all under one roof.
The spotlight will shine brightest on a pair of best-of-three singles matches, featuring some of the most electrifying names in the game. On the women’s side, 2025 Wimbledon and U.S. Open finalist Amanda Anisimova will take on 2024 U.S. Open finalist Jessica Pegula. Tennis fans in the Garden State are especially eager to see Anisimova, a native of Freehold, return to her roots for this special evening.
“It’s a special feeling to return to the place where my tennis dreams first began,” Anisimova said in anticipation of the event. “I am looking forward to playing against one of the best players in the world and having the opportunity to do so in my original home state of New Jersey. It will be an incredible celebration of tennis.”
On the men’s side, six-time Grand Slam winner Carlos Alcaraz is set to face off against two-time U.S. Open semifinalist Frances Tiafoe. The matchup between Alcaraz and Tiafoe has all the makings of a classic, with both players known for their dynamic style and competitive spirit. Alcaraz, who has enjoyed tremendous support in the metropolitan area, couldn’t hide his excitement: “It is always a lot of fun to be on the court with Frances—we love to compete against each other, and I can’t wait to put on a great show for the fans in Newark,” he stated. “To play again in the metropolitan area with all the amazing fans, it’s something special. They bring such unique energy, and they love tennis so much. ...It will be a special night of great tennis.”
Adding to the evening’s appeal is a mixed doubles showcase, giving fans a chance to see all four headliners in action together. While the singles matches are expected to deliver high drama, the mixed doubles will surely add a dose of fun and unpredictability to the proceedings.
The festivities begin earlier in the day with a special junior showcase at 4:30 p.m., highlighting the next generation of tennis talent. East Brunswick’s own Ronit Karki, already one of the most accomplished junior players in the nation and a Stanford commit for 2026, will take on New York’s Jack Kennedy, the top recruit in the Class of 2026. Karki has been ranked No. 1 nationally in every USTA age division and recently finished runner-up at the Wimbledon Junior tournament. Kennedy, meanwhile, has made his mark by reaching the singles final at Roland Garros and competing in the qualifying rounds of the U.S. Open the past two summers.
“I’m super excited to play on such a big stage at Prudential Center in my home state of New Jersey,” Karki said, reflecting the anticipation among local fans eager to see homegrown talent compete on a major stage.
The event’s organizers have also ensured that the occasion will honor tennis’s storied past, particularly the legacy of Althea Gibson. Gibson, a longtime East Orange resident, broke color barriers as the first African American to win a Grand Slam title and went on to claim five major singles championships in the 1950s. Newark’s Branch Brook Park proudly features a bronze statue in her honor, as well as the Althea Gibson Tennis Center, a 20-court facility that continues to inspire young athletes. As a tribute, every player participating in "A Racquet at The Rock" will receive a custom commemorative plaque bearing Gibson’s name, underscoring her enduring impact on the sport and the state.
For many, the event is more than just a series of matches—it’s a homecoming, a showcase, and a tribute rolled into one. The mix of established stars, rising juniors, and historical homage sets "A Racquet at The Rock" apart from typical tennis exhibitions. Fans will have the rare opportunity to see players who’ve recently graced the biggest stages—from Grand Slam finals to U.S. Open semifinals—compete in an intimate, high-energy setting.
The timing couldn’t be better, as tennis continues to ride a wave of popularity in the United States. The 2025 season saw American players like Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula making headlines at the highest levels, while on the men’s side, Carlos Alcaraz and Frances Tiafoe have both been part of thrilling runs at the majors. The presence of these stars in Newark is a testament to the city’s growing reputation as a premier destination for world-class sporting events.
But it isn’t just the pros getting their moment in the limelight. The junior showcase is a nod to the sport’s grassroots, providing a platform for young talents like Karki and Kennedy to demonstrate their skills before a passionate crowd. For aspiring players in the region, watching the next generation go toe-to-toe on such a stage is sure to inspire dreams of their own future Grand Slam moments.
The Prudential Center, affectionately known as "The Rock," has hosted everything from hockey to concerts, but this marks a new chapter as it welcomes elite tennis for the first time. Organizers and city officials hope "A Racquet at The Rock" will become an annual tradition, drawing fans from across the tri-state area and beyond. With tickets in high demand and local media abuzz, the anticipation is palpable.
As the countdown to December 7 continues, all eyes are on Newark. Will Anisimova shine in her homecoming? Can Pegula continue her run of top-level performances? Will Alcaraz and Tiafoe deliver another instant classic? And which junior will seize the moment and announce themselves as a future star?
One thing’s for sure: "A Racquet at The Rock" is shaping up to be a night to remember for tennis lovers of all ages. From honoring legends to showcasing the sport’s brightest present and future, Newark is set to serve up an unforgettable celebration of tennis. As fans prepare to fill the Prudential Center, the message is clear—New Jersey is ready to rock the tennis world.
