On Monday evening, the U.S. Open kicked off in style at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens. As tennis fans eagerly lined up outside, a host of notable figures from the worlds of acting, design, and professional sports made their way through a side entrance. Walking along a blue carpet that matched the iconic courts, they set the tone for a glamorous evening.
The opening night session of the tournament also served as a fundraiser for the United States Tennis Association Foundation, a non-profit organization that focuses on providing tennis and education programs for underprivileged youth across the country. Over 200 attendees arrived several hours early and managed to raise an impressive $3 million in just two hours.
Among the prominent guests were fashion designer Gabriela Hearst, who arrived with tennis player Maria Sharapova. Retired player Tommy Haas and skier Lindsey Vonn were also in attendance, along with other well-known personalities like Mike Tyson, Alec Baldwin, Gayle King, Danny DeVito, Anna Wintour, Vera Wang, and Daymond John. The event was hosted by New York City philanthropists David and Cheryl Scharf.
When asked what drew them to the U.S. Open, attendees shared their personal reasons. Katie Couric, who served as the evening’s master of ceremonies, expressed that the end of summer leaves her feeling a bit down, but attending the U.S. Open gives her something to look forward to. Meanwhile, former professional boxer Mike Tyson humorously admitted that he was primarily motivated by the opportunity to indulge in his favorite snacks like popcorn and pretzels.
As the crowd headed upstairs for a quick dinner, complete with three courses served in just one hour, an auction took place simultaneously. At 7 p.m. sharp, everyone rushed outside to witness an exhilarating three-set match, in which American sensation Coco Gauff emerged victorious. Former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama were even spotted courtside, fully engrossed in the thrilling action.
Reflecting on the atmosphere at the U.S. Open, Katie Couric emphasized the passion shared by all the attendees. She described the event as a gathering of wonderful and interesting people, united by their love for the sport. She highlighted the awe-inspiring silence that falls over the crowd when the players are on the court, capturing the intensity and focus that pervades the stadium.
A few days prior, another tennis-related event took place in the Hamptons. The 9th Annual Johnny Mac Tennis Project Pro Am tournament and after-party attracted tennis players, devoted fans, and financiers to Sportime Amagansett. Despite not participating in this year’s U.S. Open due to an injury, American tennis player Reilly Opelka flew in from Florida to be part of the event after receiving a personal invitation from Johnny Mac himself.
The tournament and after-party raised over $625,000 for the Johnny Mac Tennis Project, an organization established by John and Patrick McEnroe. This initiative provides tennis scholarships and community programs for children in the New York City area. The event featured seventy-five amateur players who bid up to $20,000 for the opportunity to play doubles with former tennis stars such as Jim Courier, James Blake, Christina McHale, and Reilly Opelka. In between matches, conversations revolved around predictions for top-seed Carlos Alcaraz and playful banter about pickleball, with tennis still being hailed as the ultimate sport, requiring the skills of a full-fledged athlete.
Noteworthy participants in the festivities included Steve Hasker, CEO of Thomson Reuters; Alex Chantecaille, chief commercial officer of her family’s beauty brand, Chantecaille; and Jean-Yves Fillion, a senior executive at BNP Paribas. As the tournament concluded at 6 p.m., players dispersed to prepare for the after-party, hosted at the London residence of John and Kate Storey, where Mr. Storey serves as a partner at Goldman Sachs and Ms. Storey is a fashion consultant.
At the lively after-party, attendees enjoyed margaritas, tequila sodas, and delectable treats like arancini balls and chicken skewers. The highlight of the evening was the opportunity to bid on exclusive items, including John McEnroe’s personal Wimbledon tickets. Reflecting on the event, Jeff Zucker, former president of CNN, noted that the arrival of the Johnny Mac tournament always signifies the start of the U.S. Open.
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