The 2026 U.S. Open has taken over social media feeds as New York City fills with star athletes, entertainers, and influencers catching the action at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, New York. From the tournament’s opening days on August 30 and August 31, 2026, competitors and spectators alike have turned the hard courts and stadium stands into high-fashion runways.
Stars and Athletes Bring Bold Style to the 2026 U.S. Open
According to Vogue, the tournament kicked off with Serena Williams returning alongside doubles partner Carlos Alcaraz, wearing matching royal purple and black Nike kits. Roger Federer also appeared for a once-in-a-lifetime exhibition match at Arthur Ashe Stadium alongside Lorenzo Musetti before heading to Rhode Island for induction into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. Meanwhile, stars like Naomi Osaka, Venus Williams, Coco Gauff, and Taylor Fritz have continued to subvert traditional tennis whites with customized looks and statement footwear.
On-Court Highlights: Osaka, Venus Williams, and Townsend Make Statements
Athletes brought distinct storytelling and high-end design directly onto the Flushing Meadows hard court during the opening rounds. Naomi Osaka arrived for her August 31 match against Russia’s Anastasia Zakharova in an Allen Iverson-inspired look. Osaka paired her match play with the Nike GP Challenge 1.5 ‘Naomi Osaka’ tennis shoes, which feature bold “NYC” lettering across a black and metallic silver upper.
Venus Williams drew widespread attention on Day One during her August 30 match against Sofia Kenin, stepping onto the court wearing a breathtaking butterfly cape that gave her the appearance of sports royalty as she waved to the crowd. Taylor Townsend similarly elevated her serving game during her August 31 match against Maja Chwalinska by wearing a red tennis outfit complete with sparkly frills around her waist.
Celebrities and Influencers Turn Heads in the Stands
Off the court, celebrities and fashion influencers brought notable looks to the tournament grounds and carpet areas:
- Brandy Norwood: Arrived on the blue carpet during Day One in Flushing on August 30.
- Eni Popoola: Stood out in an all-white ensemble featuring a sheer blouse and a miniskirt.
- Da’Vinchi: The “Grown-ish” star appeared on the carpet in a cream-colored cardigan, white shirt, straight-leg pants, and loafers.
- José Reyes: The former New York Mets star was spotted in the crowd wearing a fitted cap, a sleeveless tee, shades, and sparkling earrings.
Footwear Trends and Signature Sneaker Culture
Footwear played a major role in the tournament’s style narrative, blending performance technology with high-fashion flair. Carlos Alcaraz competed in white Travis Scott x Nike Vapor 12 sneakers featuring brown accents and a backward Swoosh on the lateral side. Other notable footwear choices included Coco Gauff wearing the New Balance Women’s Coco CG2 Tennis Shoes in the Dawn Glow with Enoki
colorway, Francis Tiafoe sporting the Yonex Power Cushion Eclipsion 5 in pale lilac/purple, and Serena Williams wearing black and silver ASICS Court FF 3 Night Energy tennis shoes during Fan Week.
Worth a look
