Tennis to Shine at Prudential Center This December

This year, the Prudential Center in Newark will host more than just the usual Devils, Pirates, and Sirens. Mark your calendars for December 7th, as it will welcome the inaugural “Rock at Rock” event featuring tennis.

To celebrate, some prominent players have signed on. On the men’s side, there’s the second-ranked Carlos Alcaraz from Spain and American Francis Tiafoe. The women’s lineup includes Amanda Anisimova, also from the U.S., and British player Emma Raducanu.

Alcaraz expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “Playing with Francis is always enjoyable. We thrive on competing against each other. We’re eager to put on a great show for the fans in Newark.” He continued, “Returning to the Metropolitan Area feels special, especially with such passionate fans who truly love tennis.”

Anisimova, who hails from Freehold Township, New Jersey, shared her excitement as well. “It’s incredible to return to where it all started for me in tennis,” said the 24-year-old. “Facing off against someone like Emma, in a place that feels like home, is truly a celebration of the sport this December.”

Both Alcaraz and Anisimova are still competing in the US Open semi-finals this year.

Alcaraz is set to face Novak Djokovic at Arthur Ashe Stadium on September 5th, while Anisimova will go up against Naomi Osaka a day earlier.

Tickets and Availability

Tickets for “Rock Racket” can be purchased through various platforms, including Vivid Seats, with the official sale beginning on September 10th. It’s worth noting that Vivid Seats operates a secondary market, meaning prices can fluctuate based on demand.

They also offer a 100% buyer guarantee, ensuring that transactions are secure and tickets will be delivered in time for the event.

Event Layout

The Prudential Center is reworking its seating arrangement for the one-night-only event. Fans can anticipate low levels and floor seating to be available soon.

Meet the Players

A press release from Prudential Center introduced the four competitors who will take to the courts in December.

Carlos Alcaraz

• Has won 22 ATP Tour singles titles, including two French Opens and two Wimbledons, plus one US Open title.
• Started playing at the age of four, thanks to his dad.
• Turned pro at 15 and broke into the top 100 in May 2021.
• Trained under Juan Carlos Ferrero, a former No. 1 player.
• Idolizes Rafael Nadal, another Spaniard and former world No. 1.
• Made it onto the 2022 Time100 list recognizing rising stars across multiple fields.
• Awarded ATP No. 1 and Most Improved Player of the Year in 2022.

Francis Tiafoe

• First picked up a racket at three, playing against a wall with his twin brother.
• Trained at the Junior Tennis Champions Center in Maryland.
• His family immigrated from Sierra Leone in 1996.
• Defeated childhood idol Juan Martin del Potro in 2018.
• Awarded the 2020 Arthur Ashe Humanitarian Award.
• Achieved a career-high ranking of No. 10 in June 2023.
• Won his first ATP title at the Delray Beach Open in 2018.

Amanda Anisimova

• Achieved a career-high ranking of No. 7 in July 2025, winning three WTA Tour titles.
• Was a runner-up in the 2025 Wimbledon Championships.
• Claimed the 2017 US Open Girls Singles title as a junior.
• Gained prominence at the 2018 Indian Wells Open with her first top-10 victory.
• Caused a stir by defeating Simona Halep at the French Open.
• Coached by Rob Brandsma and Rick Vleeshouwers.
• Fluent in both English and Russian, with roots in New Jersey and Miami.

Emma Raducanu

• Birthed in Toronto and moved to London at a young age.
• Started playing tennis at five.
• Ranked No. 10 in the world and currently leads in the UK for women’s singles.
• Made history by winning the 2021 US Open as the first British woman to win a major singles title since 1977.
• Impressed in her major debut at Wimbledon 2021, reaching the fourth round as an unseeded player.
• Won the US Open without dropping a set during the tournament.

Upcoming Events at Prudential Center

The Prudential Center has a busy schedule this year, offering more than just tennis, hockey, and basketball. Here are five events to keep an eye on:

• The World of Hans Zimmer (September 14)
• Play Voic Carty (November 7)
• Billy Strings (November 14-15)
• Brandy and Monica (November 21)
• Siberian Trans Orchestra (December 19)

For more events, including games, concerts, and shows, visit the Prudential Center calendar.