Carlos Alcaraz set to face Ben Shelton at Madison Square

Olympic Silver medalist, Wimbledon 2024 and Roland Garros champion Carlos Alcaraz has been called to showcase his talent in an exhibition match at Madison Square Garden in December. He will be competing against American star Ben Shelton in the highly anticipated Garden Cup event. 

This match marks the grand return of tennis to Madison Square Garden after a hiatus since 2018. The star-studded lineup includes US Open runners-up Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro.

Alcaraz's incredible 2024

Standing firm at World No. 3, Alcaraz enjoyed an outstanding 2024, clinching prestigious titles at Roland Garros and Wimbledon. Despite facing setbacks later in the season, a loss in the Paris Olympics gold medal match to Novak Djokovic, and early exits from the Cincinnati Masters and the US Open, Alcaraz is channelling his efforts into the Davis Cup for Spain to reclaim his winning form. His campaign has already kicked off with a remarkable victory and is poised to make a strong comeback.

Also read: India looks to register its first victory against Sweden in Davis Cup starting September 14

A rising Star up for Champions challenge

Ben Shelton had a strong outing at the US Open, reaching the third round and losing a close five-set battle against Frances Tiafoe. Although he was defeated, Shelton's performance has further cemented his status as a rising tennis star, one for the future. Ben Shelton, the current World number 17 will have a go against the champion, reigning Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcarez and will hope to pull off an upset.

In their last meeting at National Bank Open, Second round fixture in 2023, Alacarez defeated Shelton 6-3;7-6 in consecutive sets to win the match.

The Queen's join at Madison

Meanwhile, Jessica Pegula and Emma Navarro also demonstrated remarkable performances at the US Open. Pegula at 30, made it to her first Grand Slam final but was unable to clinch the title, while Navarro defeated defending champion Coco Gauff in the fourth round and reached the semifinals before falling to Aryna Sabalenka.

The Garden Cup event is occupied by top-tier tennis talents and tennis fans are excited to witness it at arguably one of the most iconic places in America, Madison Square Garden .

Also read :- Rafael Nadal withdraws from the upcoming Laver Cup 2024; Retirement rumors start again