Uptown Charlotte’s Spectrum Center just hosted a concert Thursday night, and now it’s hosting four of the world’s best tennis players on Friday.
Most of the players told Channel 9 this was their first real experience in Charlotte.
Madison Keys, Sloane Stephens, Frances Tiafoe and reigning Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz take part in the exhibition.
The event features a doubleheader, with Keys vs. Stephens, then Tiafoe and Alcaraz. Both play a best-of-three exhibition match in front of thousands of spectators.
“Less stress playing in this match, an exhibition match – even this year, playing with Tiafoe, it’s going to be fun, it’s going to be great. I’m excited to play this match,” Carlos Alcaraz told reporters on Friday .
Tiafoe said neither of them had spent much time in Charlotte, but they were excited to see the crowd’s reaction.
“I think it’s going to be cool to see people appreciate what we have to bring to the field and just go out there and have fun,” Tiafoe said.
Stephens said it was likely the event would create more appeal for tennis events in the Queen City.
“Obviously tennis is so big here, I hope there will be more tennis here. To start with us and obviously good representation, I think it’s a good start for Charlotte,” Stephens said.
Danny Morrison, executive director of the Charlotte Sports Foundation, said they were expecting a full house at the Spectrum Center, and maybe even more tennis in the future.
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