Wimbledon brings grass-court experience to Central Park with Caroline Wozniacki and Andre Agassi

Thursday, 11 June 2026 at 01:00

Andre Agassi, Caroline Wozniacki, James Blake and Genie Bouchard will take part in The Wimbledon Court Invitational on June 26, as Wimbledon brings one of its most ambitious international fan experiences to New York City ahead of this year's Championships.

The All England Lawn Tennis Club confirmed the four former stars as the headline participants for the exhibition event, which will officially launch The Wimbledon Court in Central Park. Located at Wollman Rink, the venue will be transformed into a grass court installed and maintained by Wimbledon's own expert grounds team, giving fans a rare opportunity to experience the sport's most iconic surface outside London.

The Wimbledon Court will operate from June 26 to June 29 and forms part of a broader initiative designed to connect the Championships with tennis fans in one of the world's most recognisable cities. Alongside the invitational event, members of the public will also have the chance to attend activities, watch tennis and even play on the grass court through a ballot system.

Between them, Agassi, Wozniacki, Blake and Bouchard have accumulated more than 40 Wimbledon appearances, over 100 singles titles and nine Grand Slam championships. Their presence will serve as the centrepiece of an event that comes just days before the start of Wimbledon and aims to bring the atmosphere of the tournament to Manhattan.

Agassi reflects on Wimbledon memories

Agassi, an eight-time Grand Slam champion and Olympic gold medallist, has a particularly strong connection to Wimbledon. The American captured his first title at the All England Club in 1992 and remains one of the most recognisable champions of his era.

Reflecting on his return to a Wimbledon grass court environment, Agassi highlighted the significance the tournament has held throughout his career. "Wimbledon has such a special place in my heart and my career as the stage where I broke through to win my first Grand Slam singles title. It was an incredible feeling and a moment that will always stay with me."

The former world No. 1 also expressed his excitement about bringing that experience to New York, where he will share the court with fellow former stars Wozniacki, Blake and Bouchard in front of local fans. "That's why I'm really excited about the chance to play on a Wimbledon grass court in the centre of New York city. I can't wait to play in Central Park alongside Caroline, James and Genie and in front of the New York fans."

Fans offered chance to attend and play

The Wimbledon Court Invitational will be staged on the afternoon of June 26, with tickets available free of charge through a public ballot. Wimbledon has encouraged fans to enter before the deadline as demand is expected to be high for the unique exhibition event.

The experience will extend beyond the invitational itself. On June 27 and 28, selected fans will have the opportunity to step onto the grass court and play themselves through a separate ballot presented by Barclays, the Official Banking Partner of The Championships.

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The four-day activation will conclude on June 29, when fans will also be able to take part in additional Wimbledon-themed activities and watch live content from the Championships. For Wimbledon, the project represents another step in expanding its global footprint while bringing one of tennis' most recognisable traditions to the heart of Manhattan.

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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