Emma Navarro, Carlos Alcaraz win The Garden Cup at Madison Square Garden

Emma Navarro and Carlos Alcaraz, each *boasting* connections to New York City, shined brightest Wednesday evening inside Manhattan’s iconic Madison Square Garden.

Playing for the Garden Cup in the World’s Most Famous Arena, the NYC-born Navarro defeated Jessica Pegula—who just months ago reached the US Open final across the river in Queens—7-6, 7-5.

“Brings back so many good memories, so many emotions,” said Pegula of her return to the five boroughs. “I can’t believe we’re here at the Garden, playing tennis. It’s so cool.”

In trying to fend off Navarro, Pegula often opted for the drop shot—a specialty of Alcaraz that we’d see employed to greater effect later on. The Buffalo, N.Y. native wasn’t as fortunate with the delicate tactic.

“I tried to channel Carlitos, and it’s not working,” Pegula told Tennis Channel’s Prakash Amritraj after the first set, which appeared to be going her way until Navarro made one final push.

One Navarro tactic that worked: asking a courtside fan for advice on where to return on a no-ad break point.

The dropper was, however, working for Carlitos, who won his first of four Grand Slam titles two years ago in Flushing Meadows. The 21-year-old world No. 3 followed Navarro’s victory with a 4-6, 6-2, [1-0] win over American Ben Shelton.

“I’m trying to make the people enjoy watching tennis,” Alcaraz said with a smile afterward. “I hope the people enjoyed the match, and that’s what I try to do every time.”

The star-studded event was matched by some of the faces in the crowd, including fashion maven Anna Wintour and National Football League commissioner Roger Goodell.

What’s next after this tennis night out? Alcaraz, who will continue his exhibition tour Friday in Charlotte, N.C., is making the Australian Open a priority. The lone major title he’s missing on his mantle, he’ll challenge for it in just over a month’s time in Melbourne.

But not if Shelton, and his American compatriots he shouted out on the mic—Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafioe—can help it.

“We got some Spaniards and Italians to chase out in front of us,” the 22-year-old told the sellout crowd of over 19,000, “We’re coming, we’re definitely coming.”

Another American who is coming, but has already arrived, is Navarro, who posted career-best results at all four Slams in 2024, including a maiden major semifinal at the US Open. The lights weren’t too bright for her on this night, or on most days throughout the recently completed season.

“Just so special to be here playing in this arena,” said Navarro. “It’s insane. We came to the Knicks game last night, now they have a tennis court.”