Amanda Anisimova set a lively tone ahead of her exhibition appearance in New Jersey after sharing a playful hotel room update that immediately grabbed fans’ attention. The American tennis star posted a video upon arriving at the W hotel in Hoboken, revealing that the hotel had surprised her with a full margarita setup stocked with Lalo Tequila.
The lighthearted moment quickly became part of the pre-event buzz surrounding her upcoming matchup with Jessica Pegula at the inaugural “A Racquet at The Rock” showcase.
Jessica Pegula and Amanda Anisimova Lead the Charge for the Inaugural Showcase in New Jersey
The fun behind-the-scenes glimpse comes as the Prudential Center prepares to host the inaugural ‘A Racquet at The Rock’ on December 7, transforming the venue into a one-night tennis showcase. The event will feature two best-of-three singles matches and a special mixed doubles exhibition.
Their meeting has drawn added interest following Emma Raducanu’s withdrawal from both the Newark and Miami exhibitions. Raducanu ended her 2025 season early in mid-October due to persistent physical issues she experienced during her China campaign, later linked to light bone bruising in her right foot. Pegula stepped in as her replacement for both events, adding a fresh dynamic to the December lineup.
Anisimova added fuel to the pre-event buzz when she posted a clip from her hotel room after a long day of media duties.
In the video, she excitedly walked fans through the surprise awaiting her inside the room: a margarita stand complete with bottles of her sponsor, Lalo Tequila, and pickled pepperoncini peppers. “Guys, I’m so excited because I’ve had such a long day of media and I’m back in my hotel room now,” she said.
“And the W in Hoboken decided to surprise me with a margarita stand, which is amazing. And they got me Lalo tequila, which is literally the best. And you won’t wake up with a hangover the next day. You’re welcome.”
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Pegula later spotted the post and chimed in with a cheeky “Can’t wait for my drink?” in the comments, keeping the tone light as the two prepare to face off in back-to-back exhibitions.
Jessica Pegula’s comment on Amanda Anisimova’s Instagram post
What Matches and Star-Studded Roster Highlight the Exhibition Night?
Headlining the evening is a showdown between 2025 Wimbledon and US Open finalist Anisimova and 2024 US Open finalist Pegula, followed by a clash between six-time Major champion and 2025 US Open winner Carlos Alcaraz and two-time New York semifinalist Frances Tiafoe.
The New Jersey event also leads directly into the Miami Invitational on December 8 at loanDepot Park, marking the first professional tennis competition staged at the Miami Marlins’ ballpark. Pegula and Anisimova will once again anchor the singles field, joined by World No. 1 Alcaraz and 19-year-old Brazilian standout João Fonseca.