Tennis Grandstand

Unique Tennis Perspectives

You are here: Home / Archives for MGM

MGM

MGM Slam In Las Vegas Announces First Round Match-Ups

by Leave a Comment

The matchups are set for Round 1 of The MGM Slam Presented by Capital One as determined by a random drawing for the $1 million prize event taking place Sunday, March 1 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Winners of the first-round super tiebreaker (first to 10 points) matches will move into the semifinals, followed by the finals, in the exciting win-or-go-home knockout format.  The first-round schedule is set to begin at 4 p.m. PST with head-to-head match-ups featuring:

  • “Stars and Stripes Showdown” – Taylor Fritz vs. Tommy Paul
  • “Chaos Bowl” – Nick Kyrgios vs. Alexander Bublik
  • “The Future Meets the Showman” – Joao Fonseca vs. Gael Monfils
  • “Art vs. Arctics” – Lorenzo Musetti vs. Casper Ruud

“It’s always fun to play in these formats that we’re not used to which can potentially be really exciting for the fans watching,” said the No. 1-ranked American Fritz. “You definitely don’t get as much time to figure it (the fast format) out but it’s more exciting because the pressure is higher and you really have to perform in that short window.”

Tickets can be purchased on AXS.com. Capital One customers also can experience the weekend like a VIP with packages including a two-night hotel stay, tickets to The MGM Slam, The MGM Slam After Party and exclusive access throughout their stay available exclusively on Capital One Entertainment.

The MGM Slam Presented by Capital One is produced by MGM Resorts Live Event Ventures which is focused on seeking out and creating new-to-market live sports and entertainment programming including MLB Awards and Players Era Festival, to name a few.

About T-Mobile Arena 

T-Mobile Arena, the 20,000-seat venue located on the Las Vegas Strip between Park MGM and New York-New York, opened April 6, 2016. The arena hosts more than 100 events annually including major headline entertainment, awards shows, UFC, boxing, basketball and other sporting events, family shows and special events. T-Mobile Arena also is the home of the Vegas Golden Knights, a National Hockey League expansion team and the city’s first professional sports team, as well as UFC’s exclusive Las Vegas arena destination. The venue, named the No. 1 venue on Billboard Magazine’s 2018 Arena Power List as well as the “Best New Major Concert Venue” by Pollstar Magazine in 2016, features 50 luxury suites, more than two dozen private loge boxes, complete broadcast facilities, and other specially designed exclusive hospitality offerings and fan amenities destined to create a guest experience second to none. Toshiba Plaza, an adjacent two-acre outdoor entertainment space, features performance stages, a variety of video screens and other interactive content and display areas. Designed and built to prioritize environmental sustainability, T-Mobile Arena was awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design® (LEED) Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council in 2016. T-Mobile Arena is a privately funded joint venture between AEG and MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM). For more information, visit T-MobileArena.com or follow on Facebook, X and Instagram.

MGM Macau Tennis Masters Exhibition Entertains Fans, Preps Tennis Stars For Upcoming Australian Open

by Leave a Comment

The 2025 MGM Macau Tennis Masters closed out its festive weekend at the Macao Forum today, treating fans to three more singles matches filled with world-class shotmaking, playful showmanship and unforgettable on-court moments.

The morning once again featured a cultural engagement activity, as Juncheng “Jerry” Shang, Yibing Wu, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and Ugo Humbert ventured into the streets of Macau. Wu and Davidovich Fokina first visited the Rua da Praia do Manduco, a popular local market, to sample a famous red bean pastry, a beloved local delicacy steeped in three generations of tradition. They then picked up traditional pastries and fresh fruit before meeting up with Shang and Humbert to exchange snacks and treats at the lively Barra Kitchen in the Barra District.

Back at the stadium, the on-court schedule began as always with the crowd-rousing Captains Challenge, setting the tone with energy and friendly rivalry between Team Li Na and Team Conchita Martínez. Today’s challenge tested the players’ precision in a fast-paced target-hitting contest, as teams took turns racking up points by hitting various targets on the opposite side of the court—collecting as many points as possible within a three-minute time limit.

Team Conchita stepped up first and posted a respectable 36 points, but it was Alexandra Eala who stole the show when Team Li Na took their turn. The Filipino star thrilled the crowd by landing the “impossible” 10-point target, sparking loud cheers around the arena and powering her team to a Captains Challenge victory with 44 points. The result narrowed Team Li Na’s overall deficit to 2–6, keeping hopes of a comeback alive.

The first of three singles matches then saw Mirra Andreeva take to court for the first time this weekend, having recovered after missing yesterday’s matches due to illness. Facing Eala, the former world No. 5 brought plenty of intensity alongside the event’s fun, festive spirit—showcasing the movement, maturity and finesse that have made her one of the most exciting rising stars on the WTA Tour. Andreeva claimed a 6–4, 6–2 victory, earning the three points on offer for each of today’s matches and securing an unassailable 9–2 lead for Team Conchita.

“I felt it was important for me to play well and bring those points for the team, so I’m happy with the way I played,” said Andreeva. “I think it was a great match and we had a lot of fun. Even though it’s an exhibition and we’re enjoying it, you can still feel Alexandra’s toughness on the court. She has a great future, and I’m sure we’re going to have many matches and clashes in the future. It was a pleasure to share the court with her today.”

“Honestly, the atmosphere has been great,” added the 18-year-old. “I was so sad to miss yesterday, but our team is amazing—everyone is so supportive and we have so much fun. Usually when I play singles matches it’s very serious and I’m fully focused, but here I can be serious during the points and also enjoy myself between games. I love the vibe, and it’s very special to have my coach, Conchita, as our captain.”

The following encounter was a rematch of last month’s China National Games men’s singles final between Wu and Shang. While both players kept the crowd entertained with playful showboating, underarm serves and on-court antics, Wu once again showed why he is China’s No. 1, defeating his compatriot 6–3, 7–5.

After the match, Wu paid tribute to Shang: “I’m sure Jerry will be looking for revenge next time—but in a good way. Jerry and I love each other. We train at the same place and have known each other for many years. For me, he’s an unbelievable player and person. At such a young age he has reached goals that nobody has done before. I hope he will have a long and healthy career, because I’ll be older soon!”

“This kind of exhibition is always good for the players to get ready for the season and work on what we’ve been doing in pre-season—like my drop shot and trying different things like coming forward to volley. I think everybody is part of the fun—not only the players and captains, but also the ball kids, the officials, and the audience too—they were happy. It’s a great event at the end of the year during the holiday season, and hopefully everybody enjoyed it,” added the 26-year-old.

In the closing match of the event, France’s Humbert saved some blushes for Team Li Na as he defeated Spaniard Davidovich Fokina 6–3, 6–4, earning his team the final three points on offer and bringing the final standings to a more respectable 12–5. Played in a truly fun and wholesome spirit, the match produced plenty of smiles and laughter, as both players leaned into creative returns and tried to outdo each other’s showmanship throughout the encounter.

“I had to do it for the team because we didn’t win any matches—only the Captains’ Challenge! When I played Alejandro earlier this year, I was injured, but today I’m healthy and it was comfortable on court. I was super happy to play him—it was fun, it was a nice moment,” said Humbert

“We had a really good atmosphere in the team. I watched Li Na when I was young, so it was a great experience to meet her. It was also my first time in Macau, and I’m very happy to be here and discover this beautiful city,” added the world No. 37.

As the winning captain, Conchita Martínez shared her final thoughts on her team’s victory and the festive invitational weekend.

“I think the team did a really good job. It was nice to see them play a couple of matches before competing in Australia. It was fun to be around all the players, Captain Li Na and everyone else. It was a really good event. We had a lot of fun outside the court and inside the court as well—it was competitive but fun, which is what these kinds of events are all about,” said the former world No. 2.

With two days of elite tennis, laughter and fan-filled moments, the 2025 MGM Macau Tennis Masters once again delivered a year-end celebration unlike any other. As Macau embraced the spirit of ‘Play. Celebrate. Repeat.’, the tournament closed with unforgettable memories on court—and with players leaving the city energised and ready to launch into the new season.

The organisers extend their sincere appreciation to the Macau community for its warm hospitality and enthusiastic embrace of the event. Co-organised by MGM and the new global events and experiences company MARI, the 2025 MGM Macau Tennis Masters is honoured to have the support of the Sports Bureau of Macao SAR Government, Macao Government Tourism Office, and the Macau Tennis Association, together with our distinguished partners, including the official outfitter FILA, official airline EVA AIR and the official water Bonaqua.

For more information, please visit the official event website at MGMMacauTennis.com.

MGM Rewards Slam In Las Vegas Delivers Unforgettable Tennis Entertainment

by Leave a Comment

The highly anticipated “The MGM Rewards Slam presented by Stella Artois” at Mandalay Bay’s Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas delivered an unforgettable afternoon of tennis action. The event, which streamed exclusively on DAZN, featured tennis icon and Las Vegas resident Andre Agassi teaming with world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and facing off against former rival Mardy Fish and four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka in a thrilling mixed doubles super-tiebreaker won by Agassi-Sabalenka. The doubles took place before a spirited and fun women’s match with Sabalenka beating Osaka in straight sets.

HIGHLIGHTS & RESULTS:

●      Match 1: Agassi/Sabalenka def. Fish/Osaka, 10-8.      

●      Match 2: Sabalenka def. Osaka, 6-4, 6-4.

●      The event drew an enthusiastic crowd and showcased top-tier talent in an electrifying atmosphere.

●      Fans worldwide tuned in via DAZN’s free-to-air live broadcast, marking another milestone for DAZN’s expansion in the U.S. market.

There Was Pro Tennis Even On Christmas Day…In Macau, China!

by Leave a Comment

Pro tennis is a global sport that is played 365 days a year….even on Christmas Day.

And it was a day that highlighted the magic of Macau in China as a sporting destination, with the “2024 MGM Macau Tennis Masters” concluding on a high note that left fans with memories to cherish long after the event.

Excitement was in the air early, as fans flocked to the Macao Forum hours before the matches began, forming long queues outside the stadium to meet Andrey Rublev and Jerry Shang, two of the most adored ATP players amongst Chinese fans. The duo made dreams come true, signing autographs and taking photos, creating unforgettable moments for their supporters.

The day’s on-court action began with a revamped Captains Challenge that added fresh twists to the format. Three players from each team faced off in singles, rotating after a losing a rally and needing to secure three consecutive winners to earn a point. The third round introduced even more entertaining stipulations, such as scoring only off opponents’ errors or hitting returns beyond the service line. After an intense showdown and a tied score after three rounds, Andrey Rublev clinched victory for Team Michael Chang by edging out Casper Ruud in a single-point contest, extending their lead to 5-3.

The first singles match saw Karolina Muchova prevail over Wang Xinyu 6-3, 7-5 in a spirited contest that blended camaraderie with competitive intensity. Buoyed by the support of the large home crowd, China’s world No.37 mounted an impressive fightback in the second set but could not capitalise on the two set points she held while serving at 5-4. Her world No.22 Czech opponent held her nerve to win three games on the trot and clinch victory for her team.

“Every win is nice, and I’m happy we get to play a match before heading to Australia. In Macau, it’s been such a great experience—they treat us so well, and there are so many fans. I really enjoy my time here,” Muchova shared after the match.

Wang, ever gracious in defeat, acknowledged both her opponent’s performance and the local crowd: “It was a good match, and as always, I enjoyed playing with Karolina. It always makes me happy to play in front of the fans here in Macau.”

Following their match, both players took time to meet fans and sign autographs in the foyer of the Macao Forum, leaving attendees with treasured memories and special souvenirs from this unique event.

In the second match of the day, world No.6 Casper Ruud and world No. 8 Andrey Rublev delivered a captivating display of high-level tennis, combining precise shot-making with light-hearted antics to thrill the packed crowd. Rublev’s serve was particularly impressive, and he secured a break in each set to claim a 6-4, 7-5 victory.

“It was a great match to prepare for the upcoming season. I’d love to continue serving the way I’ve been serving the past two days, so I’m excited to see how it’s going to be in the new season,” Rublev shared post-match.

The 27-year-old also reflected on the experience of meeting the team captains and expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic support of his fans. “It was a special feeling to have Michael Chang next to my bench and to see Li Na around. I had never met them before, so it was a pleasure and an honour to chat with them. I’m also incredibly thankful for the fans who came with posters and signs to cheer me on. They’ve made my time here truly enjoyable and unforgettable.”

With Team Michael Chang sealing their overall triumph, thanks to six points earned from consecutive victories, the event’s final match transformed into a joyful spectacle befitting the festive spirit of Christmas. Jerry Shang and Kei Nishikori delighted the crowd with a playful display of trick shots, comedic antics, and infectious laughter. Shang, who ultimately claimed a 6-3, 6-4 victory, even handed his racquet to a ball boy at one point, allowing him to play a point—a moment that had the audience roaring with delight.

“Exhibitions are always special,” said the 19-year-old Shang. “You get an amazing crowd on the court, and the team energy adds another layer of fun. Kei and I talked before the match and decided to use the opportunity to practice some shots we wouldn’t normally try in a competitive setting. We had a lot of fun while still playing some good tennis. Macau has been incredibly fun, and everything about this event has been great—I’m sure I’ll be back in no time.”

With the final score standing at 11-6 after two days of thrilling matches, Michael Chang paid tribute to his victorious team and the enthusiastic crowd. “It’s been great to have such an incredible team—everyone played fantastic and contributed. We hit some amazing shots, had a lot of fun along the way, and got the job done. It was truly special to see Macau tennis fans come out and spend their Christmas Day with us,” said the winning captain.

Chang also spoke of the success of the event and the joy it brought him personally. “My family and I have absolutely loved our time here. The event was so well organised, and it’s been a real privilege to be part of it. I’m already asking if there’s any chance I can come back!” he added with a smile.

As the curtains close on this year’s MGM Macau Tennis Masters, the excitement is already building for next year’s event. We look forward to welcoming even more tennis stars and fans in 2025 for another unforgettable celebration of sport, culture, and community here in Macau.

Co-organised by MGM and IMG, the “2024 MGM Macau Tennis Masters” is honoured to have the support of the Sports Bureau of Macao SAR Government, Macao Government Tourism Office, and the Macau Tennis Association, together with our distinguished partners, including the official outfitter FILA, official airline Eva Air and the official water Bonaqua. 

For more information, please visit the official event website at www.MGMMacauTennis.com.