As we near the U.S. Open finals this weekend, the action off the court at Arthur Ashe Stadium is as scintillating as it is on it. Similar to Wimbledon in July — which featured tennis aficionados Olivia Rodrigo, David Beckham, Tom Holland and more — the New York grand slam tournament has been attended by countless celebrities.
The U.S. Open is never just about tennis—it’s also about the dazzling star power in the stands. In 2025, the event once again became a magnet for celebrities from sports, Hollywood, fashion, and television. From Olympic champion Simone Biles to comedic legend Ben Stiller, fashion icon Anna Wintour, and familiar faces from Saturday Night Live, the crowd was filled with VIPs who turned the tournament into a pop culture spectacle.
But what exactly makes the U.S. Open such a celebrity hotspot year after year? Let’s dive into the glitz, glamour, and unforgettable celebrity moments that unfolded courtside.
Why the U.S. Open Attracts Celebrities Every Year
The Perfect Blend of Sports and Entertainment
The U.S. Open is more than a Grand Slam—it’s a cultural event. The combination of world-class tennis, high-profile sponsors, and New York City’s magnetic energy naturally draws in celebrities.
New York City as the Backdrop
The Big Apple is a celebrity haven on its own. With its thriving fashion, film, and entertainment industries, New York provides the ideal stage for stars to make an appearance at Flushing Meadows.
Simone Biles Courtside: A Champion Supporting Champions
An Olympic Icon at the U.S. Open
When Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast of all time, appeared courtside, fans couldn’t help but notice. Dressed chic yet casual, she radiated the same confidence she shows on the mat.
Why Her Presence Matters
Simone’s appearance symbolizes one champion supporting another. Athletes love watching greatness, and her presence at a tennis Grand Slam highlights the respect elite athletes have for each other.
Ben Stiller: Hollywood Comedy Meets Tennis Passion
A Die-Hard Tennis Fan
Actor and filmmaker Ben Stiller isn’t just a casual viewer—he’s known for being a massive tennis enthusiast. Over the years, he has been spotted cheering loudly, living every point as if he were on the court himself.
Celebrity Meets Fan Culture
What makes Ben Stiller’s appearances so relatable is his authenticity. He’s not there to pose for cameras; he’s genuinely invested in the matches. This passion bridges the gap between celebrity culture and everyday fandom.
Anna Wintour: Fashion’s Courtside Queen
The Vogue Editor’s Annual Tradition
No U.S. Open would be complete without Anna Wintour. Known for her signature bob and oversized sunglasses, she has long been a fixture courtside, blending the worlds of fashion and sport.
Why Her Appearance Turns Heads
Anna’s attendance signals how tennis is intertwined with high fashion. Her courtside looks often inspire trends and highlight the U.S. Open as a runway of its own.
Saturday Night Live Cast Members: Comedy Courtside
Bringing Humor to the Stands
This year, fans were treated to surprise appearances from SNL cast members, adding a playful energy to the event. Whether cracking jokes or cheering enthusiastically, they reminded everyone that tennis can be as entertaining as a late-night sketch.
Pop Culture Meets Sport
The mix of comedians in the stands symbolizes how the U.S. Open is not just a sports event—it’s part of the cultural zeitgeist, blending comedy, fashion, and Hollywood in one place.
Other Celebrity Highlights at the U.S. Open 2025
Musicians in the Stands
The music world wasn’t left out. Several recording artists were spotted enjoying the matches, turning the courts into an informal concert crowd.
Sports Legends Supporting Tennis
Beyond Simone Biles, other retired and active sports icons came to watch, showing how tennis attracts respect across all disciplines.
Hollywood Couples on Display
Celebrity couples also made headlines, with their courtside affection becoming as much of a talking point as the action on the court.
The Impact of Celebrity Sightings on the U.S. Open
Boosting Global Visibility
When celebrities post about the U.S. Open on social media, it skyrockets the tournament’s visibility, reaching fans who might not normally follow tennis.
Fashion Statements and Viral Moments
Stars like Anna Wintour and Simone Biles don’t just attend—they set trends. From designer outfits to viral selfies, these moments ripple through pop culture.
Making Tennis More Relatable
Celebrities cheering courtside helps bridge the gap between tennis and mainstream entertainment, making the sport feel accessible to a broader audience.
Why Fans Love Celebrity Sightings
Adds Star Power to the Tournament
Fans don’t just come for the tennis—they come hoping to catch a glimpse of their favorite star sitting a few rows away.
Creates Memorable Moments
Who can forget when Ben Stiller once got pulled into a doubles match with Rafael Nadal? These spontaneous moments make the U.S. Open legendary.
Social Media Buzz: Hashtags and Celebrity Selfies
The Viral Side of the U.S. Open
Instagram stories, TikTok clips, and Twitter posts amplify the energy of the tournament. Celebrities posting from their courtside seats instantly generate millions of interactions.
Fans Becoming Part of the Action
With stars so close, fans often snap selfies, creating unforgettable personal memories and viral fan moments.
What Makes the U.S. Open Different from Other Tournaments?
Celebrity Density in NYC
While Wimbledon and Roland Garros attract stars, New York’s U.S. Open feels more like a red carpet event than just a tennis match.
Entertainment and Luxury Combined
From exclusive lounges to after-parties, the U.S. Open offers celebrities the perfect balance of privacy and exposure.
How Celebrity Sightings Influence Tennis Culture
Celebrities bring fresh audiences into tennis. When fans of Simone Biles or Ben Stiller see them courtside, they may tune into matches they would otherwise skip. This crossover keeps tennis relevant in today’s entertainment-driven world.
The Future of Celebrity Presence at the U.S. Open
With the tournament growing in prestige, celebrity attendance will only increase. Expect more Hollywood names, music icons, and sports legends to turn Flushing Meadows into a yearly pop culture festival.
Conclusion
The U.S. Open 2025 wasn’t just about historic matches—it was about the atmosphere created by the stars who filled the stands. From Simone Biles showcasing athletic solidarity, to Ben Stiller’s infectious passion, Anna Wintour’s fashion statements, and SNL cast members’ comedic presence, the tournament once again proved it’s as much a cultural event as a sporting one.
The U.S. Open thrives because it blends athletic excellence with celebrity glamour—reminding us that in New York, the stars shine just as brightly off the court as they do on it.
