Carlos Alcaraz and Jessica Pegula experienced rather contrasting campaigns at this year’s US Open.
American Pegula made it to her maiden grand slam final but was beaten to the title by world number two Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling showdown match, while Alcaraz suffered a shocking third-round exit to round off his disappointing run on US soil, having fallen early in Cincinnati a few weeks prior.
However, it was announced on Thursday that Carlos Alcaraz and Jessica Pegula would both return to New York before the end of the year to play in an exhibition match at the historic Madison Square Garden venue.
Stars to compete in historic NYC venue
Alcaraz is no stranger to success in New York City, having won the US Open title in 2022, and will relish the opportunity to return in 2024.
The Spaniard will face off against rising American star Ben Shelton, while Pegula will battle it out with Emma Navarro in an all-American clash on December 4th at The Garden Cup.
Navarro has enjoyed a red-hot rise through the ranks throughout this season, notably impressing at grand slam level with wins over Coco Gauff at Wimbledon and the US Open.
After her semi-final finish last week, the 23-year-old is now in strong contention to qualify for the prestigious WTA Finals in November.
Shelton has also enjoyed a promising ascent in the rankings and is one of five American men who find themselves inside the world’s top 20.
Frances Tiafoe outlasted Shelton in a blockbuster third-round clash at the US Open but the youngster will relish the chance to face Alcaraz under the lights in NYC come December.
Where does Carlos Alcaraz play between now and then?
World number three Alcaraz is currently representing Spain at the Davis Cup Finals in Valencia, battling a group that includes Australia, France, and Czechia.
READ MORE: Carlos Alcaraz explains why he ‘wasn’t comfortable’ in his opening Davis Cup matches
The Spaniard will then represent Team Europe at the Laver Cup from 20-22 September, before heading to Asia to compete at the ATP 500 in Beijing and the Shanghai Masters.
There appears to be a hangover left from Alcaraz’s gut-wrenching defeat to Novak Djokovic in the final of the Olympics.
The 21-year-old’s level during the US swing was poles apart from what he is capable of producing, so he will need to bounce back in time for the final stretch of the season.
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