The 2025 exhibition circuit rolled into New York City on Monday night as The Garden Cup took over Madison Square Garden, bringing heavyweight names and showtime energy to “The World’s Most Famous Arena.” This edition of the yearly exhibition brought together Aryna Sabalenka, Naomi Osaka, Nick Kyrgios and Tommy Paul for a night of high-level rallies, playful moments and marquee matchups designed to bridge the gap between the end of the season and the Australian summer swing.
Aryna Sabalenka defeats Naomi Osaka at MSG for ‘The Garden Cup.’ pic.twitter.com/HjeCCwb0L0
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) December 9, 2025
Just days after defeating Osaka at the Atlanta Cup, Sabalenka repeated the feat in New York, this time with a 6–4 7–5 victory. Remarkably, Sabalenka has spent more time relaxing in the Maldives since the season ended than training, yet she looked refreshed, loose and dangerous.
This is INCREDIBLE 😂👏🍿@SabalenkaA brings fan out, but wait for it… pic.twitter.com/I3ePx8lRsa
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) December 9, 2025
Osaka stole the show in the fashion department, arriving in her iconic 2024 US Open dress topped with a striking white bow.
The clash between two two-time US Open champions included an entertaining interruption, as a fan was invited onto the court to play a few points against Osaka and Sabalenka. A funny moment was when Osaka ordered him to do push-ups at the end.
Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka makes her MSG debut at ‘The Garden Cup.’ 🔥 pic.twitter.com/eFhFMAp0ih
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) December 9, 2025
Before the women’s match got underway, iconic Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour stepped onto the court for the ceremonial coin toss. Her presence added an unmistakably New York flourish to the evening.
Nick Kyrgios, who has chosen a heavy exhibition schedule over formal tour preparation ahead of the 2026 Australian swing, pushed Tommy Paul to a deciding match tiebreak. Kyrgios edged the first set 6–4, but Paul reversed momentum to take the second 6–3 and then sealed the match 10–5.
Naomi Osaka & Nick Kyrgios defeat Aryna Sabalenka & Tommy Paul in mixed doubles showdown at ‘The Garden Cup.’ pic.twitter.com/cHSJqaqcgW
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) December 9, 2025
To close the night, Osaka and Kyrgios joined forces in a mixed doubles exhibition and secured a win over Sabalenka and Paul.
