BNP Paribas: A night of tennis at The Garden

(Photo credit: Newsday)

Last night, the world’s most famous arena, Madison Square Garden, played host to the annual BNP Paribas Showdown. The annual event, since 2008, has top players in the game battle in a three set match.

The exhibition, which spotlighted World Tennis Day, featured matches between besties Serena Williams and Caroline Wozniacki and on the men’s side 2-time grand slam champion Stan Wawrinka and French superstar Gael Monfils.

The tennis exhibition also highlighted some junior players as well as the announcement of the 2016 Hall of Fame tennis inductees: Marat Safin and Justine Henin. It was a jovial atmosphere filled with laughter and dancing (kids and adults alike). But even with all that fun, fans were still treated to some competitive tennis.

Monfils and Wawrinka kicked off the night of tennis. The two players known for their flair and power did not disappoint, treating fans to extended rallies and powerful groundstrokes exchanges. Amongst the power, were some trick shots such as tweeners (shots between legs) and jumping forehand (via Monfils).

In the middle of the second set, Serena and Caroline decided they couldn’t wait for their match and joined Stan and Gael for an impromptu doubles session. Both ladies showed off their volleying skills and ability to color commentate while playing. With help from his partner, Wozniacki, Monfils was able to finish Stan off (alone) to win in straight sets 7-6 (6), 6-3.

The night ended with two tough sets of tennis between world number one, Williams, and former world number one, Wozniacki. As they have done in the past, the ladies proved that their close friendship has little effect on their competitiveness.

In the first set, both stubbornly held serve until Serena was able to break at 5-5 all. Though Caroline fought hard and had chances Serena was able to hold her serve to take the first set. In the second set, the ladies traded a couple of breaks before Serena was able again to serve it out again to win 7-5, 6-4.
In the end, the big win of the night belonged to the sport of tennis.

The flashes of brilliance and intensity was on full displayed in both matches.

Kids got to see and some even played with their role models, tennis’ elites. There couldn’t have been a better night at the Garden.