Lotte New York Palace recently Hosted its 6th Annual Palace Invitational: Tennis Stars Compete in Pickleball Tournament Amidst Stunning Views and Fine Refreshments.
Lotte New York Palace recently showcased its remarkable commitment to sports and entertainment by successfully hosting the 6th edition of the Palace Invitational. This year’s event marked a triumphant return after a 4-year hiatus, necessitated by the Covid-19 pandemic. At the heart of this invigorating gathering was an electrifying pickleball tournament, pitting some of the tennis world’s most illustrious figures against each other in a spirited clash for victory.
Enthusiastic attendees were treated to both the gripping matches and the captivating ambiance of the courtside views. As they relished the thrilling bouts, they also indulged in the delightful offerings of Poppi beverages, Chateau D’Esclans wines, and delectable light bites. This elegant spread paid homage to the grandeur of the US Open, the nation’s largest annual tennis spectacle.
The star-studded roster of players included iconic 7-time Grand Slam Champion Venus Williams, the reigning conqueror of Wimbledon and the US Open, Carlos Alcaraz, the formidable 3-time Grand Slam finalist Ons Jabeur, the rising sensation and 4th-ranked Holger Rune, the American tennis prodigy Tommy Paul, the Russian tennis sensation Andrey Rublev, and two accomplished pickleball professionals from the esteemed Miami Pickleball Club: Matt Manasse and Hurricane Tyra Black.
Guiding the proceedings with finesse was the event’s emcee, Sheinelle Jones, the co-host of the popular 3rd Hour of TODAY. The action-packed day kicked off with an intense showdown between Holger Rune (partnered with Tyra Black) and Andrey Rublev (partnered with Matt Manasse). The match concluded with a captivating tie, setting the tone for the exhilarating competition that lay ahead. The excitement only grew as tennis luminaries Venus Williams and Carlos Alcaraz stepped onto the stage, facing off against Ons Jabeur and Tommy Paul in a riveting encounter that, too, ended in a thrilling tie.
Beyond the arena, Lotte New York Palace’s Executive Chef Cedric Tovar masterfully curated a culinary experience that complemented the tennis-themed atmosphere. From tennis ball macarons to exquisitely topped caviar potato bites, every bite was a testament to his culinary artistry. To enhance the indulgence, guests were treated to generous pours from an exclusive 12L bottle of Chateau D’Esclans’ Whispering Angel, a rare delight with only 100 such bottles in existence.
The 6th Annual Palace Invitational served as a remarkable celebration of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and epicurean pleasures, all set against the backdrop of Lotte New York Palace’s opulent charm.
