US Open Celebrates Champions of Equality with Star-Studded Event
On Thursday, the US Open hosted its second annual "Champions of Equality" event, a celebration of the trailblazing women who have fought for equality in sports and entertainment. Honored at the event was acclaimed writer and producer Shonda Rhimes, recognized for her significant contributions alongside a group of grassroots leaders from across the country.
Tennis legends Billie Jean King, Robin Roberts, and Maria Sharapova were also in attendance, adding to the star power of the evening. The Blue Carpet saw its share of stylish appearances, with actor Elizabeth Banks and Olympic Gold Medalist Jordan Chiles turning heads.
Banks opted for a chic black dress paired with sporty sneakers, while Chiles embraced a tennis-inspired look with a tennis skirt and a letterman cardigan. In a lighthearted moment ahead of the "Champions of Equality" event, Billie Jean King posed with her Barbie doppelganger on the Blue Carpet, delighting fans and attendees.
As a nod to singer Maren Morris, who was present at the event, her hit song “In the Middle” was played over the Arthur Ashe Stadium's public address system as the crowd prepared for the women's singles semifinal matchup between American Jessica Pegula and Karolina Muchova.
Sports stars were out in force as well. Philadelphia 76ers All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey arrived with powerhouse sports agent Rich Paul, and Mets players Luis Torrens, Francisco Lindor, and Jose Quintana made a quick trip from Citi Field to the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center to catch the action. Former USWNT star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Carli Lloyd turned heads on the Blue Carpet, showing off her baby bump while attending with her husband, Brian Hollis. The couple made the most of Day 11 of the US Open, turning the evening into a babymoon date night. Other notable attendees included athletes and celebrities such as Deja Kelly, Dexter Darden, Josh Hart, Liza Koshy, Molly Ringwald, Mathew Barzal, Monica Seles, Paul Wesley, and Victor Cruz, who all came to celebrate the spirit of equality and enjoy an exciting night of tennis.
The US Open continues to be more than just a premier tennis tournament—it's a gathering place for influential figures from all walks of life, coming together to champion important causes and share unforgettable experiences.