Serena Williams, Taylor Fritz Bring Tennis Star Power to Lotte New York Palace Before US Open

US Open week has never been especially interested in keeping the tennis inside the gates.

This year, some serious star power is heading to Madison Avenue before the main event even begins.

Serena Williams, Taylor Fritz, Matteo Berrettini and Caroline Wozniacki are set to appear at the 2026 Palace Invitational at Lotte New York Palace on Thursday, August 27, bringing four of tennis’ most recognizable names into the hotel’s landmark courtyard for an evening of friendly pickleball matchups.

The invitation-only event runs from 5–7 p.m. and will be hosted by TODAY co-anchor Craig Melvin and Emmy Award-winning sports broadcaster Lindsay Czarniak.

Source: Lotte New York Palace

Williams immediately changes the temperature of the evening. The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion will be joined by American star Fritz, former Wimbledon finalist Berrettini and former World No. 1 Wozniacki as the Palace reprises an event that has become part tennis gathering, part New York social scene in the days surrounding the US Open.

And this year, the hotel is leaning particularly hard into the glamour.

Lotte New York Palace has introduced a “Game, Set, Sparkle” experience priced from $100,000 for a minimum two-night stay during US Open week. At its center is the three-story Jewel Suite by Martin Katz, along with four invitations to the Palace Invitational, a private athlete meet-and-greet and a 12-carat Martin Katz “Palace” tennis bracelet set with 84 round diamonds.

Source: Lotte New York Palace

The bracelet alone is valued by the hotel at $62,000.

Guests booking the package also receive a private consultation with Katz and a Champagne-and-canapés reception on the suite’s rooftop terrace. The Jewel Suite spans more than 5,000 square feet and features a crystal chandelier, grand piano, terrace and displays of Martin Katz jewelry.

For those whose US Open budget stops somewhere short of six figures, the Palace is extending its tennis-season atmosphere to the public as well. During the tournament, its courtyard Summer Bar will show the action on an outdoor screen Tuesday through Saturday, pairing the matches with cocktails, Champagne and a distinctly Midtown setting across from St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

The Palace Invitational takes place August 27 at Lotte New York Palace, 455 Madison Avenue in Manhattan.

By Florida Tennis Staff. Sources: Lotte New York Palace; event information and approved media materials supplied to Florida Tennis by Magrino.

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