Frances Tiafoe faced Carlos Alcaraz during the inaugural Charlotte Invitational at Spectrum Center last year. Photo: Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images
A tennis legend and other stars will take the court at Spectrum Center this week in the Charlotte Invitational.
Why it matters: Charlotte Sports Foundation's inaugural Charlotte Invitational last December drew 16,194 fans, showing the organizers that Charlotte would show up to see elite tennis players compete in an exhibition.
What to expect: Venus Williams will face Madison Keys, and Frances Tiafoe will take on Taylor Fritz in this year's doubleheader on Dec. 4.
A tennis exhibition allows for a more relaxed atmosphere, meaning you'll likely see celebrities join in the fun.
Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton and Panthers legend Steve Smith hit a few serves last year, as did some Cleveland Cavaliers players.
Flashback: Williams played her sister Serena Williams in Charlotte in 2006.
The big picture: Andy Roddick, a Charlottean and 2003 U.S. Open champion, told Axios last year the city is ready to host major tennis stars.
