What is the Charlotte Invitational?: All you need to know

Carlos Alcaraz must not have had anything else to do in the early part of December other than drive around the United States defeating Americans in tennis matches. That is what we can assume will happen on Friday, but more on that in a minute. Alcaraz, the ATP No. 3, played in an exhibition match just a couple of days ago called the Garden Cup where he beat Ben Shelton.

The same might hold true on Friday when Alcaraz is set to face 18th-ranked Frances Tiafoe at the Charlotte Invitational. The two players have played three times before with the Spaniard winning twice. The only time Tiafoe defeated Alcaraz was in their first match, which took place in 2021. The best thing about the match the two will play on Friday: It doesn't matter who wins.

Exhibitions are meant to be as fun as high-level tennis can be without the drama of ranking points and moving forward in a tournament. This means fans pay a ticket and expect to be entertained. The players know this as well; they get paid a handsome fee to participate and do things on the court they might not in a real match.

Everything you need to know about the 2024 version of the Charlotte Invitational

The Charlotte Invitational chose well with which players to ask to play in the event. Alcaraz and Tiafoe are two of the most entertaining players on the ATP tour. They both will do unexpected shots during a real match, but both have enough skill to turn an exhibition into must-see tennis.

The first match of the night will feature two Americans facing off. Sloane Stephens versus Madison Keys. While they have played one another seven times, with Stephens winning five of them, they have not played since 2021. The match, like most exhibitions, will probably be close. Both players hit with a lot of power so there should be a few ridiculously good shots.

The Charlotte Invitational will take place at the Spectrum Center and the first match, which is Stephens versus Keys, will begin at 7 pm ET. The Alcaraz and Tiafoe match will follow. The Charlotte Sports Foundation, along with Raycom Sports, is producing the broadcast, but the Tennis Channel will carry the event so anyone anywhere can see it.

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