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While some of the tennis greats might be taking this season off to recover, the action on center court is just heating up. And last night in Queens, the USTA Foundation hosted an opening-night gala filled with stars from stage and screen, bringing a glittering start to the two-week competition. The foundation, whose mission is to serve at-risk youths, people with disabilities, and veterans through the exhilarating sport, just came off a weekend pro-am in Greenwich where Madison Keys—fresh from the Olympics—played with younger friends of the game. And last night, speaking to the power of the organization, the game, and her story, was student speaker Cherrial Odell who moved the crowd which included gala cohosts Alec Baldwin and Debra Messing. After a light bite, a performance from Jewel, and a sip of the evening’s signature cocktail, the Honey Deuce (it features Grey Goose vodka, raspberry liqueur, lemonade, and honeydew), it was time for guests to take their seats in the stands.
This included everyone from fashion powerhouses Anna Wintour and Vera Wang to literal knockout champion Mike Tyson. After a rousing performance from Phil Collins, joined onstage by Hamilton’s Tony Award–winning standout Leslie Odom, Jr., breathy beauties including Martha Hunt and Helena Christensen kept their cool during the Djokovic-Janowicz match despite the nail-biting rallies until the end. And although the action on court is just taking off, those looking to make their mark or pick up some tennis-centric merch, should head over to CharityBuzz where the Foundation’s set up an auction filled with items including Nadal’s signed sneakers, tennis lessons from the Williams sisters’s coach, and a very special Vogue experience. Consider it a grand slam that also gives back.
