Tennis stars Venus Williams and Madison Keys to clash at Charlotte Invitational

CHARLOTTE — The Queen City is gearing up to host some kings and queens of tennis.

Venus Williams to headline Charlotte tennis invitational at Spectrum Center

The second-ever Charlotte Invitational will be on Thursday at the Spectrum Center.

Venus Williams takes on seventh-ranked Madison Keys while 30th-ranked Frances Tiafoe and sixth-ranked Taylor Fritz hit the court. Tiafoe and Keys played in last year’s event, as well.

You can watch all the action on Channel 9 and Telemundo Charlotte from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., which will be followed by Eyewitness News Overtime and WSOC at 11 p.m.

The event brought in thousands of fans.

The Charlotte Sports Foundation, which also puts on events, including the Duke’s Mayo football game, and the Dickie V. Basketball Invitational wants to keep this event going every year.

“We really care so much about the fan experience at the Sports Foundation,” said Miller Yoho, with Charlotte Sports Foundation. “What people are going to see is a first-class tennis experience, couldn’t encourage people more to come out. I have to hint, there’s going to be some special guests, celebrity experiences. Wink. Wink. Nudge. Nudge. It’s always a little bit special when we have this exhibition here.”

VIDEO: Venus Williams to headline Charlotte tennis invitational at Spectrum Center