New York City — The spirit of tennis, fashion, and philanthropy came together under the bright lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium as the USTA Foundation hosted its annual US Open Opening Night Gala. Held on the eve of one of the sport’s most prestigious tournaments, the event brought together some of the biggest names in entertainment, sports, and fashion to celebrate a shared commitment to community uplift—and to showcase a dazzling array of style.
Among the evening’s most noted appearances was that of actress Connie Britton, who brought understated sophistication to the gala. With a long history of red carpet elegance, Britton once again demonstrated her ability to command attention through a combination of simplicity and grace. Her choice of attire was praised for its balance between effortless chic and event-appropriate glamour, reinforcing the message that fashion at the Gala is as much about personality as it is about couture.
Legendary tennis champion Billie Jean King was also among the evening’s high-profile guests. King, a lifelong advocate for gender equality and a founding figure in the history of women’s professional tennis, has long used her influence to support causes that blend sport with social change. Her presence at the Gala not only reinforced its connection to tennis history but added a deeper meaning to an evening focused on giving back. Known for her trailblazing activism both on and off the court, King’s appearance served as a reminder that the legacy of tennis extends far beyond athletic achievement.
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Though singer and actress Suki Waterhouse was not in attendance at the Gala—she was simultaneously performing at the Reading Festival in England—her name still appeared in style recaps alongside those at the USTA event. Her continued presence in fashion and entertainment coverage highlighted the increasingly global crossover between sports events and celebrity culture. In the weeks leading up to the Gala, Waterhouse had been prominently featured in multiple media outlets for her trendsetting style, reinforcing the larger narrative that athletic events like the US Open are no longer confined to the world of sports, but are stages for cultural expression.
The Opening Night Gala is not simply an exhibition of celebrity fashion—it is a cornerstone fundraising event for the USTA Foundation, the charitable arm of the United States Tennis Association. Proceeds from the evening support the Foundation’s National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) network, a nationwide program that provides free or low-cost tennis and educational opportunities to underserved youth. Through this initiative, thousands of children across the country gain access to mentorship, life skills development, and pathways to academic achievement. In previous years, the Gala has raised millions of dollars to sustain and expand this mission, reinforcing the idea that tennis can be a vehicle for empowerment and inclusion.
Guests at the event represented a wide cross-section of industries. From fashion editors and designers to actors, musicians, and media personalities, the guest list read like a who’s who of contemporary cultural influencers. Past attendees have included Anna Wintour, Vera Wang, Alec Baldwin, and Gayle King, each bringing their own unique presence to the festivities. Gayle King, who has previously served as emcee for the Gala, exemplifies the blend of media gravitas and enthusiasm for the sport that defines the evening. Her engagement with the event underlines its stature as more than a social gathering—it is a purposeful celebration with real-world impact.
The red carpet at the Gala has become a scene of fashion-forward experimentation in recent years, showcasing designs that merge athletic elements with red carpet flair. Guests often arrive in ensembles that blend sporty silhouettes with luxe detailing, creating a visual theme that honors the event’s tennis roots while celebrating individual style. From tailored blazers and sleek jumpsuits to flowing gowns with tennis-inspired accents, the fashion on display speaks to the Gala’s unique place at the intersection of sport and glamour.
As the US Open tournament itself got underway, the celebrity presence extended beyond the Gala. Courtside seats became front-row fashion moments, with figures such as Anna Wintour, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Christie Brinkley, and Chelsea Handler spotted in the stands. Their appearances further blur the lines between the world of high-stakes athletics and the global entertainment industry. These sightings also highlight how the US Open, one of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments, has evolved into a destination not just for fans of the game, but for cultural tastemakers who appreciate its growing influence on fashion and media.
What makes the Opening Night Gala stand out year after year is its ability to bring together style, sport, and social responsibility in a cohesive, impactful way. It is a celebration of tennis excellence and community commitment, a place where elegance meets activism, and where celebrity attention is channeled into meaningful change. For many of the guests and supporters, the evening represents not only a chance to see and be seen, but to contribute to a legacy that uplifts future generations through access and opportunity.
As the US Open continues through early September, the momentum from the Gala carries forward. The energy it generated—through its fundraising success, its tribute to the game’s history, and its celebration of contemporary culture—will remain a defining tone for the tournament. From the elegance of Connie Britton to the enduring influence of Billie Jean King, the Opening Night Gala once again proved that tennis is not only a game played on the court, but a force for connection, creativity, and change.