Tennis royalty turned Manhattan and Brooklyn into their personal playground last week as the US Open drew the sport’s biggest names to a string of VIP parties, charity matches and late-night celebrations.
Naomi Osaka, 26, launched the social whirl last Wednesday with a low-key evening at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, where she joined the outlet bestselling author and Peloton instructor Tunde Oyeneyin for an intimate gathering.
The four-time Grand Slam champion was back in action the next evening at the Baccarat Hotel New York, trading her racket for a paddle at the Fourth Annual Petit Slam.
“Refereed by Boardroom co-founder and CEO Rich Kleiman, the match was played over the hotel’s Baccarat crystal-clad table, with Osaka ultimately taking home the win,” a source shared.
That same Thursday, Serena Williams, 42, brought her star power to Lotte New York Palace for the ninth annual Palace Invitational pickleball tournament. She was joined on the court by Taylor Fritz, Matteo Berrettini and Caroline Wozniacki.
Across town at the Waldorf Astoria New York, Andy Roddick took center stage as emcee of the first annual Waldorf Astoria Racquet Club: Ballroom Tennis Invitational, held inside the hotel’s Grand Ballroom.
Sam Querrey handled umpire and commentator duties while Tommy Paul, Ben Shelton, Leylah Fernandez and Maria Sakkari competed. Fashion icon Anna Wintour, comedian Matt Friend, chef Daniel Boulud and Gracie Cashman rounded out the celebrity crowd.
Guests sipped Moët & Chandon and sampled culinary and cocktail creations from Chef Michael Anthony’s Lex Yard.
Venus Williams, 44, kept the family presence strong last Friday at Flyfish Members Club, where she appeared at Taste of Tennis, the VIP tennis, culinary and lifestyle event series partnered with VCR Group.
“The intimate celebration was hosted by comedian and actor Matt Friend and included appearances by top players, exceptional food and partner activations throughout the night,” a source said.
Fritz, Berrettini, Wozniacki, Brandon Nakashima, Karolina Muchová, Genie Bouchard and Tomás Etcheverry also circulated through the venue, alongside VCR Group CEO David Rodolitz and AYS Sports Marketing’s Penny Lerner.
“Guests danced the night away with music from Scram Jones and Kristina Korobova,” a source said, adding that the event featured a “discreet omakase counter.”
While tennis dominated the daytime schedule, the nightlife belonged to pop. Bebe Rexha rang in her 37th birthday last Saturday with dinner at TAO followed by a party at Loosie’s Nightclub.
“The singer was welcomed with a birthday marquee and bottles of Grey Goose and Casamigos Reposado as the crowd cheered her arrival,” a spy shared.
The “I’m Good (Blue)” singer grabbed the microphone to energize the room as the DJ spun her hits, dancing until roughly 2 a.m.
The US Open, held annually at Flushing Meadows in Queens, has long drawn celebrities to its matches and surrounding events, but this year’s off-court calendar packed more star wattage into a single week than many past tournaments combined.