The BNP Paribas Open’s Eisenhower Cup, held on Tuesday night, showcased a unique blend of tennis stars from both the ATP and WTA tours. The innovative Tie Break Tens format, where players compete solely in tiebreaks, provided a thrilling and entertaining spectacle for fans.
World No. 1 Iga Swiatek and No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka joined forces with ATP Top 10 stars Hubert Hurkacz and Taylor Fritz. Off-court couple Paula Badosa and Stefanos Tsitsipas shared the court, while Caroline Wozniacki made a highly anticipated return alongside Holger Rune.
Last-minute lineup changes saw Maria Sakkari replace Elena Rybakina and Sloane Stephens step in for Jessica Pegula. However, it was former NCAA champions Emma Navarro and Ben Shelton who emerged victorious.
Shelton’s powerful serve and Navarro’s steady baseline play proved to be a formidable combination. They saved a match point in their opening win over Sakkari and Rublev, setting the tone for their eventual triumph.
“I’m confident standing at the net when he’s serving,” said Navarro. “We had a lot of fun.”
The Eisenhower Cup showcased the camaraderie and competitive spirit of the tennis world. The relaxed atmosphere allowed players to enjoy the game while still showcasing their exceptional skills.
