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Things You Didn’t Know About the US Open, According to Tennis Stars

Things You Didn’t Know About the US Open, According to Tennis Stars

It’s a very different experience for those on the court, as crowds of spectators, including celebrities like Serena Williams and Kerry Washington, flock to the USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Center to watch the action and sip cocktails.

BI spoke with 2023 US Open runner-up and current semifinalist Aryna Sabalenka and 2016 US Open champion Stan Wawrinka to learn some behind-the-scenes facts fans may not know about the tournament.

Sabalenka described the US Open as a “wonderful tournament.”

“I had a lot of good experiences there, a lot of great memories,” Sabalenka told BI as part of her partnership with Maestro Dobel Tequila. “It’s exciting to be back, especially coming second last year. It’s a big motivation for me to be a little bit better than last year, so I’m really excited to be back.”

Speaking to BI through its partnership with Evian, the official venue of the US Open, Wawrinka echoed a similar sentiment. “When you play, it’s always a great atmosphere. It doesn’t matter what court you’re on, and I enjoy it,” he said. “That’s one of the reasons I keep playing, to relive those moments, to experience that feeling from the fans, and New York is really special for that.”

From signature cocktails to designer apparel, here are six things you didn’t know about the U.S. Open.