Photo Credit: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Lotte New York Palace
On Thursday, August 23, Lotte New York Palace hosted its fourth annual Palace Invitational, where some of tennis’ biggest names battled for glory in a friendly yet competitive badminton tournament. Guests took in court side views while enjoying cocktails and light bites served up in honor of America’s largest annual tennis tournament, the US Open.
Players included 16-time Grand Slam winner and the #1 player in men’s tennis Rafael “Rafa” Nadal, legendary sisters Serena and Venus Williams, German brothers Alexander (Sasha) and Mischa Zverev, and #17 globally-ranked player in men’s singles Nick Kyrgios.
Photo Credit: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Lotte New York Palace
Emceed by Kerry Feirman, TV personality and host of YouTube’s Talk Tennis, the event commenced with brothers Alexander (Sasha) Zverev and Mischa Zverev competing in match one, where oldest-brother Mischa reigned victorious. The competition continued as Venus Williams took the stage against Nick Kyrgios, with Venus coming out on top.
Photo Credit: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Lotte New York Palace
The grand finale featured two of the world’s highest-ranked tennis players Rafael “Rafa” Nadal and Serena Williams battling for first place, ending in a dramatic finish with Serena taking the trophy. Throughout the tournament, Lotte New York Palace Executive chef Cedric Tovar served tennis-inspired bites, including tuna tartare and ice cream macaron sandwiches.
Photo Credit: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Lotte New York Palace
