In an exciting turn of events, Jessica Pegula, the current World No. 6 and US Open finalist, has stepped in to replace Emma Raducanu at the upcoming “Racquet at the Rock” exhibition scheduled for December 7, 2025. Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion, has withdrawn from the event due to injury concerns.
This highly anticipated exhibition will take place at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, marking the arena’s inaugural tennis event in its 18-year history. The exhibition is set to begin at 5:30 p.m. and promises a thrilling evening of tennis that fans will not want to miss.
The format for the event includes two best-of-three matchups, featuring a 10-point tiebreaker in place of a deciding third set. The match lineup includes Amanda Anisimova, another US Open and Wimbledon finalist, going up against Pegula for the opening showdown. Following that, fans will witness a face-off between the extraordinary Carlos Alcaraz, a five-time Grand Slam champion, and Frances Tiafoe, a former US Open semifinalist. With Pegula’s participation, the event will showcase two of the top six-ranked women in the world.
Tickets for this spectacular exhibition are now available for purchase, promising a unique atmosphere for tennis enthusiasts in Newark.
Carlos Alcaraz expressed his excitement about the event, stating, “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. 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. I’m looking forward to December 7 at Prudential Center; it will be a special night of great tennis.”
The festivities continue the next day with the Miami Invitational, another landmark event taking place on December 8 at the home of the Miami Marlins. This unique setting will host four of the sport’s elite players, including a first-time matchup between Alcaraz and the rising Brazilian talent João Fonseca, alongside a second-round clash between Pegula and Anisimova. Interestingly, both women hail from different parts of New Jersey but have established Florida as their home base.
A poignant highlight of the Newark exhibition will be a tribute to tennis pioneer Althea Gibson, who made history as the first African American to win a Grand Slam title. A native of East Orange, Gibson is celebrated for her five major singles championships and her role as a trailblazer in the sport. The event will honor her legacy through a special presentation of commemorative plaques to each participating player, recognizing Gibson’s profound impact on tennis and the local community.
The organizers conveyed their heartfelt gratitude to the Althea Gibson Estate for allowing such a tribute. They underscored the importance of celebrating Gibson’s extraordinary journey and her contributions to breaking barriers in the sport, especially in her home state of New Jersey.
In summary, the “Racquet at the Rock” exhibition not only promises thrilling tennis action but also serves as a homage to the rich legacy of Althea Gibson, ensuring that her influence continues to inspire future generations of athletes.
