NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 26: Tinashe and Ruckus perform prior to the Mixed Doubles Final of the US Open between Karolina Muchova of Czechia and Jakub Mensik of Czechia against Belinda Bencic of Switzerland and Flavio Cobolli of Italy at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 26, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
The 2026 U.S. Open is bringing more than world-class tennis to New York City. Black stars are already showing up, showing out and turning the tournament into one of the summer’s biggest cultural events.
Fan Week brought music, fashion, sports and entertainment to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, Queens. Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Remy Ma, Tinashe, Jermaine Dupri and E-40 were among the familiar faces trading the red carpet for the U.S. Open‘s signature blue carpet for the festivities.
That energy extended to the court, where Serena and Venus Williams, Naomi Osaka, Coco Gauff and Ben Shelton brought even more excitement to the tournament.
Whether they’re competing, performing or delivering a courtside fashion moment, Black stars are helping shape the culture at this year’s tournament. And if Fan Week is any indication, the event will only get Blacker, bolder and more star-studded from here.
Tinashe and DJ Ruckus
Tinashe and DJ Ruckus were spotted taking in the action from the stands during Fan Week. You got to lock in at events like this.
E-40
E-40 and his wife, Tracy Stevens, kept their eyes on the match from the stands during Fan Week. There’s nothing like a date night that involves watching some world-class tennis.
Kameryn Stanhouse, Kelley O’Hara, Jermaine Dupri, and Crystal Dunn
Kameryn Stanhouse, Kelley O’Hara, Jermaine Dupri and Crystal Dunn had their eyes locked on the court. Judging by their reactions, the match had them fully invested.
Tinashe and DJ Ruckus Turn Things Up
Tinashe and DJ Ruckus got the crowd going before the mixed doubles final. Because what’s a major tennis match without a little music to set the mood?
Megan Moulton-Levy
Megan Moulton-Levy was all smiles in the stands.
Bryan Shelton
Bryan Shelton kept a close eye on his son Ben during his Fan Week practice with Mirra Andreeva. Dad mode and coach mode were clearly working overtime.
Coco Gauff
Coco Gauff greeted fans while getting some practice in ahead of the tournament. The hometown favorite looks ready to give the New York crowd plenty to cheer about.
Robin Montgomery
Robin Montgomery gave it everything during her qualifying match against Jeline Vandromme. That fist pump says she wasn’t going down without a fight.
Gaël Monfils
Gaël Monfils left it all on the court during qualifying. His athleticism is incredible.
Tyra Caterina Grant
Italian tennis player Tyra Caterina Grant is laser-focused on doing her best in this year’s tournament.
Ben Shelton
Ben Shelton got some practice in against Vilius Gaubas during Fan Week. Judging by that focus, he’s not playing around this year.
Arthur Fils
Arthur Fils sharpened that backhand during a practice round against Dušan Lajović. Something tells us his opponents may want to stay ready.
Jermaine Dupri
Jermaine Dupri understood the assignment, wearing a matching short set and white sneakers. His tennis-inspired look was so clean.
Madison Keys
Madison Keys is not playing around on the courts this year during practice ahead of the U.S. Open. After winning her first Grand Slam last year, she knows exactly what it takes to go all the way.
Venus Williams
Venus Williams is back on the court and getting ready for another U.S. Open run. She has nothing left to prove, yet she’s here to remind us that she has plenty of game left.
Naomi Osaka
Naomi Osaka hit the practice court rocking a fresh set of braids ahead of the U.S. Open. She kept the outfit simple, but the hair gave the whole look its moment.
Crystal Dunn
Crystal Dunn arrived on the blue carpet in a black-and-white tennis-inspired look. From the pleated skirt to the braided updo, she had the details covered.
Remy Ma
Remy Ma brought full tennis glamour to the blue carpet in a neutral two-piece and pleated skirt. But that oversized Dior visor took the look over the net.
Dascha Polanco
Dascha Polanco arrived in a mint-and-white striped dress that gave classic country-club chic. The tinted shades and big smile pulled the whole look together.
Gayle King
Gayle King stepped onto the blue carpet ready for a good time in florals and bright yellow pumps. Let’s get into that silver tennis-inspired bag, because Gayle knew exactly where she was.
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