From private dinners to pickleball matches, the tennis world’s fiercely loyal citizens are treated to vast spread of activities as the US Open Tennis Championships kick off in the Big Apple.

IYKYK: Inside the Tennis World’s Discreet Social Scene

There was no list, no signage, and no one in the hallway. The porter of the hotel did his best to give directions. But it wasn’t until I happened to see a friend emerge from a side entrance of the grand St. Regis Hotel that I got some indication on where exactly Maestro Dobel Tequila was hosting a cocktail party celebrating a collaboration with a certain tennis superstar.

It turns out an enfilade of elegant, wood-paneled rooms on the second floor of the hotel were taken over by the tequila brand, transformed into the venue for a lively but tasteful celebration of all things tennis. In one room, A DJ blasted Madonna songs as a few guests played Wii Tennis under a turn-of-the-century chandelier. The next room hosted a bar with bottles of Dobel Tequila on display and guests jostling for the attention of two of St. Regis’ most celebrated bartenders.

Dobel Tequila's party at the St. Regis. Image: Benjamin Schmidt.

Guests enjoyed cocktails like the Marg-Aryna, which serves as Dobel’s debut collaboration with two-time Grand Slam winner Aryna Sabalenka. Black and white “Dobel” tennis balls were tossed inside vases and around tablescapes (free for the taking) while Ms. Sabalenka herself was spotted in a joyful mood, sipping a cocktail and snacking on miniature ice cream cone served by tuxedoed staff. Currently ranked as the 2nd best Women’s Singles and Doubles competitor in the world, Sabalenka will compete next week at the US Open as a favorite. Despite the raw talent in the room, ego was nonexistent. The atmosphere of this kind of party is achieved with a simple recipe: fill it with people who love sport and spectacle.

Alex de Minaur, Katie Boulter, and Arthur Fils at the Park Terrace Hotel. Image: Benjamin Schmidt.

Across town, an even more insider-y situation was unfolding: a Q&A and press conference with top-seeded players Arthur Fils, Katie Boulter, and Alex de Minaur at the Park Terrace Hotel. The hotel is known to celebrate the US Open in a big way, as it hosts many players and even offers tennis enthusiasts a “US Open package” which includes complimentary post-stadium recap cocktails. Quietly socialized, the “Courtside Conversations” event also gave guests a sneak peak at the soon-to-open private members club, Branch.

The event served signature cocktails such as the Grey Goose Honey Deuce (a modern tennis-world artifact) while entertaining questions about how the US Open is unique among the tournaments (“New York has the loudest crowds— but it really inspires you!” remarked Alex de Minaur) and feelings in the lead-up to game day (“I’ve been ready,” Katie Boulter articulated). The tone of the conversation was respectful and subdued, and after the Q&A, players socialized without any need for walls of security or other protective measures, revealing the level of trust involved.

Meanwhile in Brooklyn, Swiss activewear and shoe brand On was pulling the cover off a custom, full-size tennis court at Brooklyn Navy Yard. The blue court would first serve for a live match featuring American tennis star Ben Shelton and Italy’s Flavio Cobolli. The match was narrated by Chris Black and Jason Stewart, hosts of the popular How Long Gone podcast. Later, the court was transformed into a dance floor, with DJ sets by artists Yaeji, Memphy, Oscar Nñ, and Young Teesh pulling the crowd in and drawing on the inherent whimsy of tennis. But the austere setting for the event and the edgy DJ lineup suggested a mission to go ever more niche.

Swiss activewear and shoe brand On hosted a tennis match followed by a series of DJ sets. Image: On.

Conceptually, the effort was reminiscent of fashion shows held in unexpected places— think the Chanel 2007 show on the tarmac of the Santa Monica Airport or the Fendi show held on the Great Wall of China. These events are successes because replication seems impossible. Interestingly, the On event was open to the public— if you knew to RSVP.

These events set the tone for the overall attitude of the tennis set’s social scene: if you know, you go. Blink, and you’ll miss it. It’s a tight-knit community driven by trust and a love for the sport, with a healthy dose of lightheartedness. There’s a seriousness on the court that gets completely reset with these kinds of events— an opportunity for players and fans alike to bond and relax.

Signature Events During the US Open Tennis Championships

While these closed-door events are intentionally left off the broader social calendar, some events have become as well known as the US Open itself, such as the Lotte New York Palace Hotel’s annual Palace Invitational. An event where players compete in a lighthearted pickleball tournament in the courtyard of the hotel’s idyllic Villard Mansion, it’s truly the stuff of a Gossip Girl episode.

While snagging an invite as a guest to this seasonal highlight is a mythical challenge, attending as a competitor is whole other ballgame: spots to play are extended to only the very best in tennis. For example, this year saw reigning Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz, American tennis star Taylor Fritz, acclaimed women’s singles player Elena Rybakina and former number one singles player Caroline Wozniacki volleying it out. Tennis legend Andre Agassi was on hand to provide expert commentary. Sipping miniature Moët & Chandon Champagne bottles and Poppi refreshments, the who’s-who of entertainment and tennis annually descend upon Midtown for this one-of-a-kind event.

Lotte New York Palace Hosts Annual “Palace Invitational” with Tennis Stars Ahead of the US Open. Image: Rob Kim/Getty Images for Lotte New York Palace

The Taste of Tennis, established in 2000, has become a premier culinary event that blends the worlds of tennis and gourmet food, engaging players in a unique place: off the court. Tennis is an exhausting sport, and events like Taste of Tennis give the players a change of scenery and— if they’re up to it— a change of task. While guests enjoy plenty of gourmet dishes prepared by renowned chefs (usually tennis-themed), players are known to step into the kitchen. This year, American star Taylor Fritz participated in a cook off against Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen, hosted by another gold-medal recipient, Andre Agassi.

A Respect for Players and Sport

Unlike much of athletics, the tennis world’s code of conduct and style of entertainment remains strikingly traditional, dependent upon concentric circles of familiarity and trust. In filling guests lists for hotel accommodations, private dinners, and cocktail parties, organizers prioritize actual tennis players and their families before even considering sports insiders or longtime fans.

Even being a celebrity outside of the sport might not get you as far as you’d expect. The focus stays on the sport and celebration, with organizers often going great lengths to minimize tabloid paparazzi moments in order to preserve an understated discretion and respect for the players. Buying a ticket to an event usually isn’t an option, and if it is, you have to move fast (for example, the Flavors of the Open culinary event sponsored by Dobel and featuring dishes by Pat LaFrieda and Kwame Onwuachi sold out within a few days of its announcement).

When it comes to style, it is not typical to see guests sporting merchandise of their favorite player (and certainly not in the presence of said player), and if anything is being autographed, it’s usually a ball.

US Open Fan Week: Access to the Best

Players meet with fans during US Open Fan Week. Image: US Open.

Fortunately, tennis is a generous sport. Special to the US Open is the US Open Fan Week, where enthusiasts are invited to spend time at the Billie Jean King Tennis Center during the lead up to the tournament weeks in a sort of tennis fan free-for-all. This week surrounds the qualifying rounds, and gives fans unique access to the whole of the Tennis Center while getting a chance to get up-close and personal with the sport.

While you can take part in plenty of free events and activities on the grounds all week long, doing nothing at all is good enough: you are guaranteed to encounter top talent such as Aryna Sabalenka, Jack Draper, Ben Shelton, and many more checking out the grounds, practicing, and taking part in qualifying matches with competitors. Best of all, anyone can attend the Fan Week days at the stadium absolutely free (simply get a complimentary fan access pass). It’s what anyone would want: no guest lists, no dress codes, and no problems. Just tennis.

The US Open Tennis Championships take place from now until September 8th, 2024. Tickets and information here.