The 2025 U.S. Open Kicks Off with History, Star Power, and a Few Surprises

The U.S. Open is officially underway, and Opening Day in New York proved once again that this Grand Slam is as much about culture and spectacle as it is about tennis.

THE U.S OPEN

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On court, fans cheered as Aryna Sabalenka, Ben Shelton, and Novak Djokovic advanced with first-round victories, setting a high bar for the matches to come. But beyond the rallies and serves, the day was steeped in meaning, marking the 75th anniversary of Althea Gibson breaking tennis’s color barrier. To honor her legacy, guests attended a brunch reception and were treated to a powerful tribute video narrated by Venus Williams, while Gibson’s family took part in coin toss ceremonies throughout the day.

As the evening arrived, the USTA Foundation turned the spotlight toward another legend: Andre Agassi. At the Foundation’s Opening Night Gala in the President’s Suite, Agassi was honored with the Serving Up Dreams Award before a guest list that could rival any Hollywood premiere. Alec and Hilaria Baldwin, Spike Lee and Tonya Lewis Lee, Charlie Cox, Gayle King, Katie Couric, Vera Wang, and Tina Knowles were among the names spotted at the event.

Celebrities weren’t just at the gala. The courts and suites buzzed with familiar faces: Julianna Margulies, Connie Britton, and Chelsea Handler shared a girls’ day out and posed for photos on the blue carpet; New York sports royalty including Victor Cruz, Justin Tuck, CC Sabathia, and Vincent Trocheck joined in the festivities; and Knicks newcomer Jordan Clarkson doubled as both athlete and courtside star. Director Spike Lee and his wife Tonya Lewis Lee even took a moment to connect with artist Melissa Koby, whose Althea Gibson-inspired poster set the artistic tone for the tournament.

The national anthem set a goosebump-inducing mood thanks to a stirring collaboration between Tony Award-winner LaChanze, Deaf actress and ASL performer Treshelle Edmond, and celebrated guitarist Felicia Collins. Rounding out the day, stars like Maude Apatow, Shonda Rhimes, Clairo, Savannah Guthrie, Conrad Ricamora, Micaela Diamond, Ben Ahlers, Sarah Pidgeon, and Matt Friend were all spotted soaking up the action.

Between powerful tributes, celebrity sightings, and early on-court triumphs, the first day of the 2025 U.S. Open proved that this year’s tournament is more than just tennis—it’s a cultural event where sport, legacy, and star power collide.