‘A Racquet at The Rock’ Adds Exciting New Event Programming While Honoring the Legacy of Tennis Icon Althea Gibson
Building on the excitement surrounding the inaugural ‘A Racquet at The Rock’, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE) and Unified Events today unveiled expanded programming for the December 7 tennis event at Prudential Center. The first tennis event in Prudential Center’s history promises to be a landmark celebration of the sport.
Headlining the night will be two thrilling best-of-three singles matches, with now a very special mixed doubles showcase added. Fans will witness a marquee showdown between 2025 Wimbledon and US Open finalist Amanda Anisimova and 2021 US Open Champion Emma Raducanu, followed by a high-stakes battle between this year’s US Open Champion Carlos Alcaraz and two-time US Open Semifinalist Frances Tiafoe.
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased HERE
To view the complete announcement release, including player quotes, click HERE
Mixed Doubles
In addition to the featured singles matches, ‘A Racquet at The Rock’ presented by Turkish Airlines will now include a special mixed doubles exhibition. This exclusive showcase will feature all four marquee players Alcaraz, Tiafoe, Anisimova, and Raducanu paired up in a dynamic mixed doubles format.
The placement of this exhibition match within the evening schedule is still being finalized, but fans can look forward to high-level teamwork, elite shot-making, and fun interactions between some of tennis’ biggest global stars. The match promises a rare glimpse into the competitive chemistry of each player.
A Tribute to Althea Gibson
The event will also shine a spotlight on tennis legend and New Jersey icon Althea Gibson, who broke barriers as the first African American to win a Grand Slam title. A longtime resident of East Orange, Gibson went on to win five major singles championships and became a powerful symbol of progress and possibility. Gibson’s influence continues to be felt locally. Newark’s Branch Brook Park is home to both a bronze statue in her honor and the Althea Gibson Tennis Courts, a 20-court facility named by Essex County to inspire the next generation of athletes.
To honor her extraordinary legacy, each participating player at ‘A Racquet at The Rock’ will receive a custom commemorative plaque bearing Gibson’s name as a tribute to her lasting impact on the sport and the state she once called home.
“On behalf of the Althea Gibson Estate, we are deeply grateful for this thoughtful tribute. To see each player receive a commemorative plaque in Althea’s honor is a touching acknowledgment of her enduring influence on the game and the barriers she broke along the way. It’s especially meaningful to have her legacy celebrated here in New Jersey the place she proudly called home.” – Michelle Tatum-Curry, Administrator, The Estate of Althea Gibson; Founder, Althea Gibson Sports & Education Foundation
Experience It Live
Tickets for ‘A Racquet at The Rock’ are on sale NOW! Tickets are available for purchase at Ticketmaster.com, Prucenter.com, and Prudential Center’s Box Office. For Premium seating opportunities, visit prucenter.com/premium.
Various exclusive VIP packages will also be available for purchase, including the Courtside Club seating package. This package includes all-inclusive Food and Beverage (beer, wine, and soft drinks) in the Prudential Lounge from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Additional beverage options available for purchase. The offer includes a photo opportunity with select players; availability may vary. Full details will be emailed to purchasers before the event.
Follow Prudential Center on social media for more up-to-date information as it becomes available: @PruCenter across Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.
