Some of the world's most popular stars of stage, screen, music and other sports are big fans of tennis, either regularly attending the US Open or taking to the courts themselves. Here are just a few of these well-known celebrities:
Fans/Attendees of the US Open
All of these entertainers have attended one or more of Serena and/or Venus Williams’ matches in past years:
- Jay-Z and Beyoncé (music)
- Chris Rock (comic/actor)
- Janet Jackson (music/actor)
- Ahmad Rashad (sports)
- Star Jones (TV host)
- Tiger Woods (fan of Federer) (sports)
- Bow Wow (performed at Arthur Ashe Kids' Day) (music)
- Vivica Fox (actor)
- Gladys Knight (music)
- Brandy (music)
- Spike Lee (director/actor/film)
- Allen Houston (NY sports)
- Diana Ross (music)
- Shaquille O’Neal (sports)
- Kobe Bryant (sports)
- Marcus Camby (NY sports)
- Alec Wec (model)
- Rick Fox (sports)
- Boyd Tinsley (music)
- Kevin Garnett (sports)
- Mo Cheeks (sports)
Famous People who play/played tennis
- David Dinkins: The first African American to be elected mayor of New York City; USTA Board Member
- Bill Cosby: Cosby recounts playing tennis with Althea Gibson.
- Jackie Robinson: The first black man to play professional baseball also played tennis on his high school tennis team.
- Will Smith: Film credits include "Men In Black," "I am Legend," "Ali," "Bad Boys" and "Independence Day."
- Vanessa Williams: Built a tennis court at her house.
- Snoop Dogg: Favorite player was Ivan Lendl; now loves Venus and Serena Williams.
- Boris Kodjoe: Became friends with Zina Garrison while pursuing his tennis career. Movie credits include "Love and Basketball," "The Gospel," "Madea’s Family Reunion," "Soul Food" and "Brown Sugar."
- Robin Givens: Was formerly married to her tennis instructor; Murphy Jensen is the father of one of her children.
- Clyde Drexler: Former NBA star plays tennis.
- John Lucas: Former NBA player and coach was also a standout tennis player, who once played and coached for World TeamTennis; is currently a motivational speaker.
- Roy Jones Jr.: Former boxing heavyweight champion of the world, with a career 52-4 record; was a spokesperson for Tennis Welcome Centers.