Over 50 years ago, in 1972, tennis legend Billie Jean King led the fight for equal prize money for both sexes at the US Open. Now, celebrating its 50th anniversary, the trailblazing effort continues, and King was there to celebrate the milestone.
“While we celebrate today, our work is far from done,” King said in a speech at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in the Aug 28 opening ceremony of this year’s US Open, per Associated Press. “Struggle is a never-ending process,” she continued, echoing a quote from Coretta Scott King. “Freedom is never really won. You earn it and you win it in every generation.”
King’s impactful speech was followed by a surprise appearance by Michelle Obama, who honored of the tennis and equal rights icon. “Let us remember, all of this is far bigger than a champion’s paycheck,” the former First Lady said in her speech. “This is about how women are seen and valued in this world. We have seen how quickly progress like this can be taken away if we are not mindful and vigilant [and] if we do not keep remembering and advocating and organizing and speaking out and, yes, voting.”
So, in honor of the history-making competition, we’re compiling all the celebrities who showed up in the stands. Whether they attended to cheer for the players, have a fun date night, or anything in between, check them all out below!
Justin Timberlake
“Mirrors” singer Justin Timberlake couldn’t take his eyes off the court as he watched Djokovic and Medvedev duke it out.
Keith Urban & Nicole Kidman
Hollywood power couple Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman were all laughs and smiles while watching the games together.
Leonardo DiCaprio
Leonardo DiCaprio, who just recently started dating Italian model Vittoria Ceretti, stole the attention from the players as he talked to friends.
Kylie Jenner & Timothée Chalamet
Although these two kept their romance under wraps in the beginning, Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet weren’t afraid to show some PDA as they watched the Sept 10 finals.
Kiernan Shipka & Diplo
Also in the star-studded box was another unexpected combo: actress Kiernan Shipka and DJ Diplo.
Ziwe & Emily Ratajkowski
Best friends Ziwe and Emily Ratajkowski were also in attendance in runway-ready looks.
James Marsden & Andy Cohen
Also in attendance was James Marsden and Andy Cohen, who seemed to be enthralled in a conversation.
Matthew McConaughey & Camila Alves
Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves perfectly color-coordinated in off-white looks as they watched the Men’s Singles Final.
Danai Gurira
Black Panther star Danai Gurira couldn’t take her eyes off the match as she watched the Women’s Singles Finals.
Christopher Briney
The Summer I Turned Pretty star Christopher Briney was all smiles as he posed for pictures on Sept 10.
Jon Hamm
The Morning Show‘s newest star Jon Hamm dressed up for the event in this linen gray suit and white button-down.
Joe Keery
Stranger Things star Joe Keery looked cool and comfortable as he enjoyed a Heineken in between matches on Sept 8.
Lin-Manuel Miranda
Lin-Manuel Miranda and his Hamilton co-star Renée Elise Goldsberry were on their feet as they watched the matches on Sept 7.
Sophia Bush
Sophia Bush, who just recently got divorced from her ex Grant Hughes, proved girls night is the best remedy as she watched the games with a friend by her side.
Lil Uzi Vert
Lil Uzi Vert was also in attendance on Sept 7. Although his neighbors seem to be cheering the players on, safe to say the rapper seems a little unimpressed.
Ellen Pompeo
Grey’s Anatomy‘s Ellen Pompeo gave everyone a masterclass on tennis courtside attire in this all-white look with a brown belt and matching handbag. So stunning!
Retta
American comedian Retta was speechless in one of the moves during a game of Sept 5.
Josh Kushner & Karlie Kloss
Much like Retta, Karlie Kloss and her husband Josh Kushner had their mouths open will shocked during a moment in the game
Meek Mill
Rapper Meek Mill was also in attendance at the Sept 5 games.
Gloria Steinem
As a lifetime advocate for women’s rights, Gloria Steinam was also in attendance at the historic event.
Emma Watson & Anna Wintour
Unlikely duo Emma Watson and Anna Wintour seemed to be having a blast while watching games together.
Norman Reedus
The Walking Dead‘s Norman Reedus smiled to cameras as he entered the arena on Sept 5.
Mariska Hargitay & August Hermann
Mariska Hargitay was joined by her son August Hermann during the Sept 5 matches. How adorable is this mother-son duo?
Justin & Hailey Bieber
Justin and Hailey Bieber made the US Open their own date night on Sept 1. So sweet!
Katie Holmes
Katie Holmes was seen chatting with a friend while watching the games in a beige-colored sweater.
Maren Morris
Maren Morris opted for this ultra-chic white midi dress as she attended the games.
Bill, Luke & Homer Murray
Billy Murray attended the Sept 3 games with his son Luke and Homer. Nothing like some good old family time!
Tina Fey
Tina Fey aced her sporty chic look in these light-washed jeans, blue button-down and beige cardigan.
Kate Harrison & Chloë Grace Moretz
Chloë Grace Moretz was joined by her girlfriend Kate Harrison during the Sept 5 games.
Ariana DeBose
Oscar winner Ariana DeBose smiled for the cameras as she enjoyed some courtside drinks.
Pusha T
Rapper Pusha T seemed to be having the time of his life as he watched the matches.
Laurie Hernandez
Gymnast Laurie Hernandez was all smiles as she posed for the cameras before the day’s games. She kept it casual with white bermuda shorts, a black crop top and matching white sneakers.
Queen Latifah
Queen Latifah brought some style to Queens in this orange maxi skirt with cargo-style pockets paired with a printed t-shirt.
Kal Penn
Kal Penn looked as cool as ever in this colorful printed button-down and black pants that he wore to watch the games.
Venus Williams
Who said practice gear needs to be athletic wear? Venus Williams looked incredible as she walked around the venue in this black blazer and white ruffled mini skirt from Prada, Willy Chavarria, IWC, and Alaia. So stunning!
Barack & Michelle Obama
After giving her speech, Michelle Obama was joined by her husband, former President Barack Obama, as they watched American player Coco Gauff win her first game in the tournament.
Sara Bareilles
“Love Song” singer Sara Bareilles performed in the competition’s opening ceremony in this yellow leopard wrap dress.
Billie Jean King
Billie Jean King looked as happy as ever as she took the stage to celebrate 50 years of equal prizes.
Katie Couric
Katie Couric also made the event date night as she was joined by her husband John Molner in the stands.
Hilaria & Alec Baldwin
Controversial couple Hilaria and Alex Baldwin also tuned in for the match.
Danny Devito
Danny Devito might not look too impressed, but the actor was right in the first row of the game.
Jamie Chung & Bryan Greenberg
The US Open also became date night for actors Jamie Chung and Bryan Greenberg.
Vera Wang & Anna Wintour
The audience of the US Open was immediately more fashionable when fashion designer Vera Wang and Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour took their seats. What a duo!
J Balvin & Valentina Ferrer
“Mi Gente” singer J Balvin cheered in the stands alongside his longtime partner and model Valentina Ferrer.
Rosie Perez
The Flight Attendant star Rosie Perez smiled for the cameras while enjoying the game with a friend.
Maria Sharapova
Former tennis star Maria Sharapova lit up the stadium in this incredible bright orange suit.
Dr. Ruth
Sex therapist Dr. Ruth was ultra-tuned in as she watched the games.
Seal
The singer Seal posed with tennis player Rastislav Relic before the beginning of a match.
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