In an exhilarating display of tennis talent, Carlos Alcaraz made a sparkling appearance at the inaugural Miami Invitational, held at loanDepot Park, the home of the Miami Marlins. The world number one received a raucous welcome from the enthusiastic crowd on December 8, 2025, as he took to the court for a unique exhibition match.
Alcaraz squared off against Brazilian star João Fonseca, ranked 24th in the world, in what turned out to be a gripping contest. The showdown was the first meeting between the two players, and it delivered plenty of excitement. Alcaraz ultimately triumphed with a scoreline of 7-5, 2-6, 10-8. Earlier in the evening, Amanda Anisimova, an accomplished American player, registered a solid win against Jessica Pegula, sealing the match 6-2, 7-5. The night concluded with Alcaraz and Pegula teaming up to defeat Anisimova and Fonseca in a thrilling mixed doubles tie-breaker.
“I just expect that the people are going to get entertained by watching us play,” Alcaraz remarked prior to hitting the court, expressing his eagerness to engage with the crowd in the unconventional setting. The 22-year-old sensation, who recently capped off a remarkable 2025 season with a year-end No. 1 ranking, displayed impressive form, having secured eight titles, including two Grand Slam victories that pushed his career total to six.
This exhibition was part of a series of events wrapping up Alcaraz’s season, which also included participation in a prior exhibition in Newark, New Jersey, where he faced Frances Tiafoe, a two-time US Open semifinalist. Reflecting on his experiences in these exhibition matches, Alcaraz stated, “I’m having a lot of fun. Getting the energy from the people, playing in some places that we are not used to. It’s exciting.”
The atmosphere at loanDepot Park was further enriched by the presence of Inter Miami soccer icons Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, who had recently celebrated their victory as MLS champions in the final match of their careers.
Both Anisimova and Pegula acknowledged the importance of such exhibition events for their preparation ahead of the upcoming season. Anisimova, who was a finalist at both the US Open and Wimbledon earlier in the year, and Pegula, who reached the semifinals at the US Open, highlighted the refreshing change of environment. “Being able to change what that looks like a little bit where it’s not something we do 95% of the year is always really nice and refreshing for us,” Pegula noted, underscoring the benefits these exhibitions bring to both players and fans alike.
As the night concluded, it was clear that the Miami Invitational not only showcased thrilling tennis but also succeeded in bringing the sport to a broader audience in a novel setting, a testament to the growing popularity and global appeal of tennis.
