5 best moments from Stars of the US Open 2024 ft. Carlos Alcaraz mimicking John McEnroe's "You cannot be serious" in Andre Agassi-Novak Djokovic match; Iga Swiatek crushing Matteo Berrettini, and more
Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, John Mc Enroe, and Iga Swiatek were some of the tennis champions past and present, who graced the Arthur Ashe Stadium for Stars of the Open exhibition event on Tuesday, August 21.
The event was held on Day 4 of the USTA's fan week and kicked off along with the qualifiers ahead of the main draw scheduled to begin on Monday, August 26. A part of the proceeds from ticket sales of the event will go to the USTA Foundation which provides tennis and educational opportunities to underprivileged children.
The star line-up was mic'd up as they partnered up for doubles and played a 10-point tie-break, treating the crowd to some exciting tennis and indulging in lighthearted interactions.
Let's take a look at some of the best moments from the exhibition event.
#1 Iga Swiatek and Matteo Berrettini engage in a thrilling rally
Iga Swiatek and Sebastian Korda kickstarted the event with a friendly encounter against two Wimbledon finalists, Jasmine Paolini and Matteo Berrettini. Swiatek and Korda were trailing 5-6 when the Pole's serve was returned by Berretinni and the duo went toe-to-toe for the point.
Swiatek eventually won a 15-point rally against Berrettini. The World No. 1 was all smiles as she punched the air in celebration. The Italians later closed the contest 11-9 in their favor.
#2 Juan Martin del Potro partners with Gabriela Sabatini against Andy Roddick and Caroline Wozniacki
Former US Open champions Juan Martin del Potro (2009) and Gabriela Sabatini (1990) received a warm welcome from fans as they returned to the stadium where they had lifted the coveted trophy. Their opponents Caroline Wozniacki and 2003 US Open champion Andy Roddick were locked 7-7 with the duo when all four players came onto the net.
Showcasing their reflexes, both pairs made quick shots before Sabatini delighted fans with a sharp backhand that sailed past Roddick. The Argentines eventually won 11-9 against Roddick and Wozniacki.
#3 Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic John McEnroe, and Andre Agassi receive a rousing welcome from fans
Tennis legends John McEnroe and Andre Agassi paired up with World No. 2 Novak Djokovic and World No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz, respectively. Fans in the stands were on their feet, clapping and cheering as soon as the players stepped on the court one after the other.
In a lighthearted interaction, the presenter jokingly highlighted that despite winning 24 Grand Slams and the 2024 Olympic gold medal, Novak Djokovic hadn't won a Stars of the US Open event.
She jokingly asked the Serb how he was handling the pressure to which he replied:
"Look I have the best partner that I could ask for, so I'm relying fully on his capabilities and skills to win tonight's match, I'll be just assisting," Djokovic said of McEnroe [at 3:40].
Fans gave a rousing welcome to all four players before settling down for the friendly match-up.
#4 Carlos Alcaraz challenges a call John McEnroe-style
In one of the moments during the encounter, the chair umpire awarded a point to Djokovic and Agassi because the ball had touched the court a second time before Alcaraz could reach it.
Alcaraz faced the chair umpire and spread his hands in mock exasperation.
"You cannot be serious," Alcaraz said, hilariously mimicking John Mc Enroe [at 0:13].
"That's my line," Mc Enroe quipped.
The point eventually went in Novak Djokovic and John McEnroe's favor after the duo called for a review.
#5 Novak Djokovic goes "backhand-to-backhand" against Andre Agassi
In an intense moment during the match, Djokovic and Agassi went back and forth as the Serb requested Agassi to go "backhand-to-backhand" for a point. Fans witnessed the 8-times Grand Sland Slam champion Andre Agassi's legendary two-handed backhand as the duo fired from opposing corners of the court.
Novak Djokovic eventually won the point and hilariously laid flat on the court in celebration. Agassi showed wit and humor and commented:
"How come you never miss? It's like the Olympics!"
Novak Djokovic and John McEnroe eventually won the exhibition contest, 10-8.