BNP Paribas Showdown at Madison Square Garden Caps Annual World Tennis Day

Djokovic-Murray & McEnroes-Bryans entertain fans worldwide

March 4, 2014 | By Dave Suskin
Photo credit: Dave Suskin

New York tennis fans were treated to some of the tennis world’s top stars on the evening of March 3rd as two exhibition matches were held as part of the 7th Annual BNP Paribas Showdown at Madison Square Garden. The BNP Paribas Showdown is part of the Second Annual World Tennis Day, a global celebration of tennis that included Showdown exhibition events in Hong Kong and London. The International Tennis Federation (ITF) and its member nations also hosted participation events, such as clinics and open houses at clubs around the world as part of this day’s events to raise awareness and grow participation in the game.

Produced by MSG Sports and StarGames Inc. and broadcast live internationally on ESPN's networks in 48 countries, the BNP Paribas Showdown kicked off with a unique cross-generational battle of brothers, as John & Patrick McEnroe teamed up to take on the current world number one doubles team of Bob & Mike Bryan, arguably the best doubles team of all-time. The much-anticipated main event featured a rematch of the 2012 U.S. Open and 2013 Wimbledon finals between Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.

In the evening’s first match the 35-year-old Bryan Brothers showed just why they are the best in the world. The Bryans, who hold a record 15 Grand Slam Doubles Titles, were simply too much for the McEnroes from start to finish. Playing an eight-game pro set, they jumped out to a 7-0 lead and eventually won 8-3. John McEnroe at 55-years-old, and his brother Patrick at 47, did all they could, but the Bryans are in mid-season form and were able to dictate points from both the net and the baseline. The match was entertaining and fans saw each team’s trademarks, the Bryans’ chest bump and John's racket toss.

Next up was singles action, where the current world number two Djokovic outshined Britain’s Andy Murray in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6(2) in a match that mixed the usual exhibition antics—including a guest on-court appearance from former Wimbledon Champion Marion Bartoli, as well as some kids from the crowd—with some extended rallies reminiscent of their epic Grand Slam matchups. Murray nearly sent the match to a third set as he led 5-3 in the second before Djokovic dug in and broke back, eventually winning a second set tie-break.

"We might never get the chance to play here again," Murray said of the MSG experience. "I wanted to enjoy it, and hope that everyone who came along had a good time as well. That was the whole point today."

While New York plays host to the sport’s premier event, the U.S. Open, the area is short of professional tennis over the course of the other 11 months of the year.

"I was amazed by the size of it," Djokovic said of the recently renovated and revamped arena. "With its history in the world of sports, entertainment and music, it's probably the most impressive and most important indoor facility in the world."

While an exhibition like the BNP Paribas Showdown is not the same as a pro tournament, for one winter's night in March, the crowd at the “World’s Most Famous Arena” was treated to a nice night out and a chance to see the best in the world do battle. New Yorkers can only hope that more is coming in the future!

Credit all photos to Dave Suskin

John McEnroe preps for his exhibition match against the Bryans at MSG

 

The Bryan Brothers were 8-3 winners over the McEnroes at the BNP Paribas Showdown

 

Andy Murray takes to the court at MSG

 

The gang from Centercourt Athletic Club showing off their favorite tennis publications

 

Novak Djokovic speaks to the New York media

 

The Bryan Brothers discuss their MSG experience during the post-match press conference

 

Patrick McEnroe hits before the event at MSG


Dave Suskin
Director of Marketing & Business Development, New York Tennis Magazine

Dave Suskin is director of marketing and business development for New York Tennis Magazine. He may be reached by e-mail at suskin@usptennis.com.

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