At this year’s U.S. Open, tennis phenoms like Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek are dominating the courts with their powerful serves and fierce rallies, but they’re not the only ones taking part in the action: professional athletes are also in the stands.
Every summer, this iconic event draws hundreds of thousands of spectators, from die-hard fans to A-list celebrities and, of course, other professional players looking to watch world-class action. We’re so used to seeing these champions in action on their courts, fields, or courses, it’s thrilling to see them kick back, get into the action, or just enjoy the action from afar (just like the rest of us).
So, apart from the ball-smashing athletes actually competing in the tournament, here are some other MVPs we’ve spotted on the sidelines of the 2024 U.S. Open so far.
1. Serena Williams, retired tennis player (most Grand Slam singles titles in the Open era)
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2. Katie Ledecky, swimmer (9 Olympic gold medals)
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3. Misty Copeland, American Ballet Theatre dancer
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4. Carmelo Anthony, retired NBA forward (10-time All-Star and three-time Olympic gold medalist)
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5. Paige Bueckers, University of Connecticut Huskies basketball player
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6. Andy Roddick, retired tennis player (2003 U.S. Open champion)
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7. Garrett Wilson, New York Jets wide receiver
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8. Aaron Judge and Anthony Rizzo, outfielder and first baseman, New York Yankees
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9. Crystal Dunn, U.S. Women’s Soccer Team (Gold Medal Winner at the Paris Olympics)
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10. Billie Jean King, former world number one tennis player (after whom the US Open is named)
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11. Jon Rahm, PGA Tour golfer
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12. Pam Shriver, retired tennis player
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13. Carl Nassib, retired NFL defensive end and linebacker
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14. Juan Soto, outfielder for the New York Yankees
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15. Mike Bryan, retired tennis player
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16. Brandon Wu, PGA Tour golfer
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17. Anthony Volpe, Austin Wells, Giancarlo Stanton, New York Yankees shortstop, catcher, outfielder
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18. Steve Johnson, retired tennis player
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