The Knockturnal had the pleasure of attending the Annual Palace Invitational on Thursday, August 22nd at the iconic Lotte New York Palace, where excitement, drinks, and fun came together to create an unforgettable evening.
The lively atmosphere took place outdoors at the Madison Avenue Courtyard beautifully set up for the spirited competition on the court.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 22: A view of the atmosphere during the 2024 Palace Invitational hosted by Lotte New York Palace at Lotte New York Palace on August 22, 2024, in New York City. (Photo by Rob Kim/Getty Images for Lotte New York Palace)
As guests arrived, they were greeted with a refreshing selection of drinks, including Poppi soda-infused cocktails that perfectly complemented the lively mood. The buzz in the air was felt throughout as the crowd cheered on tennis greats like Carlos Alcaraz, Taylor Fritz, Elena Rybakina, and Caroline Wozniacki, who took to the pickleball court in preparation for the US Open. The excitement continued when tennis legend Andre Agassi made a special appearance, adding a touch of nostalgia to the event.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 22: (L-R)Carlos Alcaraz, Milan Rane, Taylor Fritz, and Eric Oncins play pickleball during the 2024 Palace Invitational hosted by Lotte New York Palace at Lotte New York Palace on August 22, 2024, I n New York City. (Photo by Rob Kim/Getty Images for Lotte New York Palace)
The evening was hosted by NBC’s dynamic duo Craig Melvin and Sheinelle Jones, who kept the energy high as the matches unfolded. The spirited pickleball tournament saw Wozniacki and Milan Rane face off against Rybakina and Eric Oncins, with Rybakina and Oncins emerging victorious. In the following match, Alcaraz and Fritz battled it out, with Alcaraz taking home the coveted trophy.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 22: (L-R) Carlos Alcaraz, Elena Rybakina, Caroline Wozniacki, Andre Agassi, Craig Melvin, Delano Melvin, Sybil Melvin, Lindsay Czarniak, Taylor Fritz and Sheinelle Jones attend the 2024 Palace Invitational hosted by Lotte New York Palace at Lotte New York Palace on August 22, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Rob Kim/Getty Images for Lotte New York Palace)
This annual event was a true celebration of community and sport, with attendees enjoying tennis-themed bites from Executive Chef Cedric Tovar, including whipped ricotta tartlets and tennis ball macarons, paired with Grey Goose Honey Deuce cocktails and Moët & Chandon.
As the night came to a close, the sense of camaraderie and excitement lingered, leaving everyone eagerly anticipating the next Palace Invitational.
Check out our Instagram Recap below!
