The 2026 US Open has officially commenced, bringing with it a wave of off-court excitement as celebrities and athletes gather for a series of exclusive events in New York City.
The social calendar kicked off with a players' dinner hosted by David Grutman and DraftKings at the Crane Club. Attendees included tennis stars Serena Williams and Coco Gauff, among others.
Another notable event was the Waldorf Astoria New York Ballroom Tennis Invitational. The iconic hotel's chandeliers provided a backdrop for athletes such as Tommy Paul, Ben Shelton, Leylah Fernandez, and Maria Sakkari. Serena Williams also made an appearance at the 2026 Palace Invitational, hosted by Lotte New York Palace, alongside Caroline Wozniacki.
Tennis players also engaged in other social gatherings. McCartney Kessler, Barbora Krejcikova, and Danielle Collins were spotted at "Pickleball with the Pros" at the Hyatt Regency Times Square, an event celebrating the US Open's arrival in NYC. Meanwhile, Paige Paul and Anna Wintour were seen at the Waldorf Astoria.
Elsewhere, a playful "Petit Slam" competition took place at the Baccarat Hotel, featuring Gayle King and Naomi Osaka. The event on August 27 saw the two compete against each other before sharing a friendly embrace.
These events underscore the broader cultural impact of the US Open, drawing a blend of sports figures and entertainment personalities to celebrate the tournament's start.