A U.S. Open Party So Exclusive, Andy Roddick Just Got His Invite
The New York Times
An opening-night gala featured celebrities like Lin-Manuel Miranda, Alec Baldwin, Anna Wintour and Mr. Roddick (who won the tournament in 2003).
“This isn’t my normal U.S. Open,” said Andy Roddick, the former professional tennis player.
It was early in the evening on Monday, the first day of the U.S. Open tennis tournament. Mr. Roddick had just walked a red carpet inside Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, N.Y., and was chatting with a friend on a beige couch inside the President’s Suite. The sprawling two-story space, with unbeatable views of the court, is by invitation only. Mr. Roddick, despite having won the Grand Slam in 2003, had never been inside — until now.
“I used to see everyone go inside in their nice clothes when I was a player,” he said, laughing. “Now I can finally see inside.”
The occasion was the U.S. Open Opening Night Gala, an annual event that supports the U.S.T.A. Foundation’s pledge to help 150,000 underserved young people in America play tennis. This year it raised $2.2 million and attracted 173 guests, including the songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda, the actor Alec Baldwin, the ballet dancer Misty Copeland, the former tennis player Stan Smith and, of course, Mr. Roddick.
“It’s really nice here,” Mr. Roddick said. Indeed, the suite was full of friendly servers passing around unlimited champagne and Honey Deuces. One wall had a candy bar; another, an espresso bar. Snacks appeared throughout the evening. Guests arrived through a dedicated entrance.
