Lotte New York Palace hosted its annual event, The Palace Invitational, now in its seventh year, and finally back in the famed Palace courtyard after a 5-year restoration of the Villard Mansion, where some of tennis’ biggest names battled for glory in a spirited pickleball tournament, in partnership with Miami Pickleball. Guests took in the courtside views while sipping cocktails and champagne and enjoying light bites in celebration of America’s largest annual tennis tournament, the US Open.
Players included reigning Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz, American tennis star Taylor Fritz, #4 women’s singles player Elena Rybakina, former #1 singles player Caroline Wozniacki and a special appearance by tennis legend Andre Agassi.
Emceed by Craig Melvin and Sheinelle Jones, co-hosts, 3rd Hour of TODAY, the first event saw Caroline Wozniacki and professional pickleball player, Milan Rane face off in a doubles match against Elena Rybanika and professional pickleball player Eric Oncics in match one, ending in a win for Rybakina and Oncins. The competition continued as Carlos Alcaraz and Taylor Fritz battled it out on the pickleball court resulting in Alcaraz taking home the trophy.
Throughout the tournament, Lotte New York Palace Executive Chef Cedric Tovar served tennis-themed bites, whipped ricotta tartlets, wagyu beef tataki, caviar topped potato bites, tennis ball macarons and more. Guests enjoyed official Grey Goose Honey Deuce cocktails, mini bottles of Moët & Chandon with sippers, and ‘Raspberry Rose Sparkler’ Poppi cocktails.
Notable attendees included Carlos Alcaraz, Taylor Fritz, Caroline Wozniacki, Andre Agassi, Elena Rybakina, Craig Melvin, and Sheinelle Jones.
Image credit: Rob Kim/Getty Images for Lotte New York Palace
