Babolat Celebrates 150-Year Anniversary with Alcaraz, Fernandez and More in NYC

By Richard Pagliaro | Monday, August 25, 2025
Photo credit: Alex S.K. Brown

Babolat brought a star-studded party to New York City’s South Street Seaport.

On the Friday night before the start of the US Open, Babolat celebrated its 150-year anniversary with a massive party at New York’s historic Seaport district hosted along with Racquet Magazine.

Pictured left to right are Babolat stars: Sofia Kenin (USA), Carlos Alcaraz (SPA), Alex Michelsen (USA), Cameron Norrie (UK), Felix Auger-Aliassime (CAN), Jordan Thompson (AUS), Leylah Fernandez (CAN), Alex Eala (PHL), Valerie Glozman (USA), Ethan Quinn (USA), and Eliot Spizzirri (USA). 

The players were relaxed mingled with guests, conducted interviews and podcasts and took selfies with party-goers.

The evening bridged heritage and innovation, reinforcing Babolat’s iconic legacy while showcasing the future of tennis.

The event’s programming captured the spirit of tennis beyond the baseline, with live podcast recordings diving into tennis culture and storytelling featuring Babolat players who attended alongside Racquet Magazine’s co-founder, Caitlin Thompson. 

Brian Vahaly, USTA Chairman, Photo credit: Alex S.K. Brown

On the occasion of Babolat 150th anniversary celebration ahead of the US Open, Brian Vahaly, Chairman of the Board and President of the USTA, was offered by Babolat one of the 92 unique Babolat racquets created as a tribute to Rafael Nadal extraordinary career. The racquet is engraved 84/92, commemorating Rafa’s 84th title won at the 2019 US Open (out of the 92 titles Rafa won during his career).