For fans arriving at the US Open, a good word of advice is to be on the lookout.
A parade of celebrities has made its way through Flushing Meadows over the years and 2007 is no exception.
From athletes and movie stars to models and fashion designers, they have all made appearances at the US Open.
One of the biggest collections of celebrities came out on Wednesday night for world No. 1 and defending US Open champion Roger Federer’s night match against Paul Capdeville of Chile. Federer showcased a new outfit for the night matches, dressed in all black as a tuxedo look. He has gotten more into fashion this year and some of the best-dressed people in the world were out to watch the best male tennis player in the world.
“For me, I thought it was a cool mix with kind of the tuxedo kind of look, all black. Why not? Especially at night. During the day, you could never wear a black shirt anyway because it would be too hot,” Federer said of his outfit. “I kind of like to do sophisticated statements. Also at Wimbledon with the jacket, I kind of took a chance. I thought I was going to look like an idiot. But people liked it. I thought actually it was a great idea, so I backed it up this year with an entire outfit, and here in New York with a black one.”
Anna Wintour, the editor-in-chief of Vogue, was on hand as well as renowned fashion designers Ralph Lauren, Oscar de la Renta and Michael Kors.
A host of celebrities were also out on opening night as tribute was paid to the great Althea Gibson and she was inducted into the USTA Court of Champions. Aretha Franklin performed her song “Respect” and Phylicia Rashad, Christie Brinkley, Martha Stewart and Janet Jackson were also on hand. Jackie Joyner-Kersee, New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg, former mayor David Dinkins and Rachel Robinson, wife of Hall of Fame Brooklyn Dodger Jackie Robinson, were also in attendance for the ceremony.
On Day Four, a few fellow athletes made appearances including New York Knicks’ forward David Lee, New York Yankees young phenom pitcher Phil Hughes, as well as movie star Colin Farrell.
Golfer Sergio Garcia has also been spotted, but a top golfer making an appearance at the US Open is nothing new. Everyone should remember Tiger Woods sitting in pal Roger Federer’s box during the men’s final last year.
Will we see Tiger again this year as Federer pursues his fourth straight US Open title? The world’s best golfer has been in New York recently but has the FedEx Cup competition this year.
“I think he’s playing a tournament this year,” Federer said of Woods' whereabouts this week. “I haven’t spoken to him. No news that he’s going to come to the finals.”
However, Federer does not have a shortage of stars in his box this year. Musician Gavin Rossdale was sitting next to Federer’s girlfriend Mirka Vavrinec during his third-round match against John Isner on Saturday.
Besides Lee, another former Florida Gator basketball star who has been spotted is Joakim Noah, one of the stars of the 2006 and 2007 NCAA champion Florida Gators and current member of the Chicago Bulls. (Joakim Noah is also the son of International Tennis Hall of Famer Yannick Noah.) He was taking in the action at the day session in Arthur Ashe Stadium on Saturday. Mo Cheeks, the current head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers, was in attendance for Friday night’s matches featuring Rafael Nadal and Venus Williams.
Stars spotted in Flushing in recent years have also included Boston Celtics superstar Kevin Garnett, Nicole Kidman, Lenny Kravitz, Conan O’Brien, Ben Stiller, Jack Nicholson, Jim Carrey, Courteney Cox and Jenny McCarthy. Lauren Bush, fashion model and niece of President George W. Bush was also in attendance last year.
So when sitting in your seats, eating in the foodcourt or just wondering around, fans should keep their eyes wide open. You never know who you just might see.
