Ahead of the U.S Open singles tournament in a few days, the Lotte New York Palace hosted its ninth annual Palace Invitational last night in the Villard Ballroom.
Guests enjoyed a front-row seat to some of tennis’ biggest names as they battled for victory in a lively pickleball tournament. Taking to the court were tennis icon Serena Williams, American tennis player Taylor Fritz, Italian tennis player Matteo Berrettini, and former world No.1 Caroline Wozniacki.
Lotte New York Palace Hosts Annual “Palace Invitational” with Tennis Stars Ahead of the US Open | Photo Credit: Ryan Northrop
David Shenman, the Director of Sales & Marketing at Lotte New York Palace Hotel, opened the event by sharing a few words about his excitement in hosting yet again another year of the highly anticipated occasion.
In its earliest years, the event was originally a lighthearted badminton tournament and has since evolved into pickleball as it became one of the fastest growing sports in the past few years within the tennis community. This year, Husband-and-wife duo and TODAY co-anchor Craig Melvin and CBS sportscaster Lindsay Czarniak returned as emcees, while their children, Delano and Sybil, served as adorable ball kids throughout the tournament.
Lotte New York Palace Hosts Annual “Palace Invitational” with Tennis Stars Ahead of the US Open | Photo Credit: Ryan Northrop
The night’s first showdown saw Berrettini edge out Fritz, setting the stage for the women’s matchup between Williams and Wozniacki. Williams ultimately prevailed, taking home the women’s trophy. Attendees watched in glee as their favorite players traded their tennis racquets for pickleball paddles and battled it out on the court, making for a vibrant atmosphere. Melvin also took the opportunity to play against the 23-time Grand Slam champion in a playful mini match right before the night came to a close. This year’s Invitational was extra special, as it came just days before Williams’ highly anticipated return to the U.S. Open for the first time since 2022.
“When you have the greatest of all time and then have her coming back is a treat,” said Wozniacki.
With the competition wrapped, guests continued the evening with drinks including the official cocktail of the US Open, the Grey Goose Honey Deuce, which was served alongside mini bottles of Moët & Chandon.
Every year, the Lotte New York Palace’s Invitational serves as a reminder that even one of tennis’s most intense weeks can come with plenty of fun, cementing it as the perfect kickoff to the U.S. Open.
