Lifestyle

The NBA stars who came to watch the tennis stars at the 2022 US Open

By Annika Caniza - September 12, 2022

The US Open is one of the biggest tennis tournaments in the world, and it is also the last major one for the year. So it’s no surprise that everyone wants the chance to catch it live—including your favorite NBA stars.

This year’s US Open was one of the most exciting and unpredictable, and the stars of the basketball scene made sure not miss out. Here are some of the stars of the NBA who came to watch the stars of the tennis world.

Kawhi Leonard

LA Clipper Kawhi Leonard was in the crowd to watch the women’s singles finals between Iga Swiatek and Ons Jabeur. And in true Kawhi fashion, we could not tell who he was cheering for. Or if he was enjoying. Or if he understands the game.

Based on his expression while watching the game, he could be analyzing the game like a tennis expert or asking what ’love’ means—and we would not be able to tell the difference. But we love that about him.

Although, he was smiling for the US Open cameras, so that’s something.

Devin Booker

Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker was seen in the stands to watch the US Open men’s final between Carlos Alcaraz and Casper Ruud. And with him was girlfriend Kendall Jenner.

The pair showed up looking fresh off of New York Fashion week. Which technically, they were. They definitely looked like they were enjoying the match (and each other’s company).

Julius Randle

Right in his city, New York Knick Julius Randle graced the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center to watch the women’s final. And if he thought the white bucket hat and the dark shades would keep his presence lowkey, he was mistaken.

If anything, the white bucket hat (and his bling, no lie) might have been the features of his entire outfit that drew the cameras to him. But hey, maybe that was the intention. The crowd was excited to see him on the big screen, and he looked happy to be among the tennis fans too.

Steve Nash

Supporting Coco Gauff a few days ago in her third-round match against Madison Keys was Brooklyn Nets head coach Steve Nash. He was spotted with actor and musician, LEON.

Steve Nash is undoubtedly a tennis fan. He was also in the stands at last year’s US Open, spotting supporting Coco Gauff and Leylah Fernandez. In fact, the 20-year-old Fernandez even credited Nash for inspiring her at the tournament last year.

And, the Nets coach himself plays some tennis too.

He may be trying to hack the secrets of the up-and-coming tennis stars.

Bradley Beal

Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal came to the US Open to watch rising tennis star Frances Tiafoe. But he didn’t come just as a fan—he came as a friend.

When Tiafoe had just turned pro a few years ago, he was invited to the Wizards’ locker room after a game, where the two first met. Ever since then, Beal said he had always kept track with the tennis player.

And his support has been real. He watched most, if not all, of Tiafoe’s matches, and even after he was unable to reach the finals of the tournament, he still showed him the love.

And it’s mutual. Warming up for his semifinal match, Tiafoe showed up wearing a Bradley Beal jersey.

Athletes supporting athletes. You love to see it.

Which celebrities were you most excited to see at this year’s US Open?