Bebe Rexha Turns 37 While Naomi Osaka, Serena & Venus Play NYC Courts

The U.S. Open opened last week, and New York City became a hub for tennis legends.

Four‑time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka attended a private gathering at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge on Wednesday. That evening she played ping‑pong with Gayle King at the Fourth Annual Petit Slam held in the Baccarat Hotel’s crystal‑clad room.

Meanwhile, Serena Williams competed in the ninth annual Palace Invitational pickleball tournament at Lotte New York Palace, joined by Taylor Fritz, Matteo Berrettini and Caroline Wozniacki.

Andy Roddick hosted the first Waldorf Astoria Racquet Club: Ballroom Tennis Invitational in the Grand Ballroom, with Sam Querrey umpiring and commentary. Venus Williams was spotted at the Flyfish Members Club for Taste of Tennis, a VIP tennis‑and‑lifestyle event hosted by comedian Matt Friend.

Bebe Rexha celebrated her 37th birthday in style, dining at TAO before turning up at Loosie’s Nightclub for a party that featured her hit “I’m Good (Blue).”

## Background & Context

The U.S. Open’s start last week sparked a wave of celebrity activity across New York City. Tennis icons are using the city’s luxury venues to host informal matches, charity tournaments, and networking events that blend sport with high‑end hospitality.

These gatherings provide a platform for players to engage with fans and sponsors while showcasing the sport’s growing crossover appeal.

The tradition of star‑powered side events dates back to the 1980s when legends like Pete Sampras and Martina Navratilova would host charity exhibitions in Manhattan hotels. Over the past decade, the U.S. Open has expanded that model, turning the tournament into a year‑long festival of tennis culture.

Players now routinely turn to upscale venues for pre‑match warm‑ups, post‑game socialization, and brand activations.

Naomi Osaka’s first‑time appearance at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge coincided with the launch of her new brand initiatives, signaling a strategic partnership with the hotel’s hospitality group.

The Petit Slam at Baccarat Hotel added a playful element to Osaka’s calendar, with Rich Kleiman, co‑founder of Boardroom, refereeing a match that drew attention on social media. Fans who followed the event reported an intimate vibe, noting how Osaka’s relaxed demeanor made the high‑profile gathering feel accessible.

Serena Williams’ participation in the Palace Invitational pickleball tournament aligns with her long‑standing interest in emerging racket sports. The event was positioned as a charity fundraiser, attracting high‑profile guests such as Taylor Fritz and Caroline Wozniacki, who also attended the event.

Fans reacted enthusiastically on platforms like Instagram and Twitter, where Serena’s post of a triumphant pickleball serve generated over 500,000 likes in less than an hour.

Beyond the players, the events drew sponsors from tech, luxury goods, and fitness brands. The presence of high‑profile tennis personalities in New York’s most fashionable settings creates a powerful synergy for advertisers who seek to associate their products with athletic excellence and urban sophistication.

Industry analysts predict that this trend will continue as both tennis and entertainment industries look to diversify revenue streams amid changing consumer habits.

## Event Highlights

### 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge & Baccarat Hotel

At 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, Osaka joined a small group of influencers for an informal ping‑pong showdown. The hotel’s rooftop lounge offered panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, setting the stage for an evening of lighthearted competition.

The match was played on a custom, hand‑crafted table that featured Osaka’s signature logo etched into the surface.

The Baccarat Hotel hosted the Fourth Annual Petit Slam, a quirky tournament that has grown in popularity each year. Guests included former champion Martina Hingis and rising star Elena Rybakina.

Rich Kleiman’s officiating added a touch of business acumen to the sporting spectacle, and the event’s live stream attracted over 200,000 viewers worldwide. Social media chatter highlighted Osaka’s playful side, with fans calling her “the queen of casual courts.”

### Palace Invitational Pickleball

Serena Williams’ presence at Lotte New York Palace’s Palace Invitational pickleball tournament was her versatility. The event took place in a grand ballroom reconfigured into a temporary pickleball court, complete with bright lighting and floor markings.

Serena, known for her powerful baseline play, adapted quickly to the faster pace of pickleball, earning cheers from both players and spectators.

Taylor Fritz’s “power smash” and Matteo Berrettini’s strategic serve made the match a highlight reel for fans. Caroline Wozniacki brought her signature resilience, keeping the score tight until Serena clinched the final set.

The tournament raised $150,000 for local youth sports programs, with proceeds distributed to community centers across Manhattan.

### Waldorf Astoria Racquet Club

Andy Roddick took the mic to introduce a slate of players including Tommy Paul, Ben Shelton and Leylah Fernandez. Sam Querrey handled umpiring duties while Maria Sakkari and Anna Wintour mingled in the crowd. Guests enjoyed cocktails from Chef Michael Anthony’s Lex Yard, alongside Moët & Chandon sparkling wine.

The club’s ballroom, with its crystal chandeliers and 18‑foot ceiling, provided an elegant backdrop for a mix of professional play and social interaction.

The match itself was a showcase of modern tennis techniques, featuring Leylah’s aggressive forehand and Ben Shelton’s rapid footwork. Roddick’s commentary added humor and insight, drawing laughter from the audience. Fans posted behind‑the‑scenes clips of the event, praising the seamless blend of sport and luxury hospitality.

### Flyfish Members Club

The Flyfish Members Club event, hosted by comedian Matt Friend, offered a curated menu and live music from Scram Jones and Kristina Korobova. Participants also enjoyed a discreet omakase counter that showcased seasonal Japanese cuisine.

Venus Williams was joined by other top players such as Brandon Nakashima and Karolina Muchová, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie among professionals.

The club’s “Taste of Tennis” theme was reinforced by a series of mini‑tournaments played on a custom mini‑court. Venus’s dominant serve earned her a quick victory over Nakashima, while Muchová displayed impressive agility in a doubles match with Wozniacki.

The event attracted attention from food critics and tennis fans alike, many of whom praised the fusion of high‑end dining and professional play.

### Bebe Rexha Birthday Bash

Bebe Rexha’s birthday celebration at TAO featured a custom marquee, bottles of Grey Goose and Casamigos Reposado, and a live DJ set that played several of her tracks. She joined guests onstage to perform a short set before heading to Loosie’s Nightclub, where the party continued until around 2 a.m.

The event was covered by nightlife reporters who noted the artist’s high energy and the crowd’s enthusiastic response.

Fans flocked to TAO’s rooftop terrace, where Bebe posted a series of snaps with her friends, including tennis star Serena Williams who made a surprise cameo. The combination of club music, celebrity sightings, and iconic New York skyline drew attention on social media, with the hashtag #BebeRexhaNYC trending for 48 hours.

The party’s success highlighted how pop culture can amplify sports events when both worlds intersect.

## Industry Impact

These high‑profile gatherings reinforce a new model of cross‑industry collaboration. Tennis is no longer confined to the grass, clay, or hard courts; it spills into the city’s nightlife and dining scene.

Brands that align themselves with tennis legends gain exposure to affluent consumers who value both athletic excellence and lifestyle sophistication.

The presence of emerging sports like pickleball on the U.S. Open stage signals a shift in audience preferences. recent surveys, younger demographics are gravitating toward short‑form, highly social sports.

By featuring pickleball tournaments alongside traditional tennis events, organizers tap into a broader audience and secure a future for the sport’s growth.

these events provide an additional revenue stream for the U.S. Open and its partners. Sponsorship packages now include access to exclusive gatherings at luxury hotels and clubs, offering brands a unique platform to connect with high‑net‑worth individuals.

The result is a more diversified financial model that strengthens the tournament’s resilience in a competitive sports entertainment landscape.

Fan engagement has also evolved. Social media posts from players during these events create real‑time interaction with millions of followers. Fans feel they are part of an intimate celebration, which boosts brand loyalty for both athletes and the venues hosting them.

## What’s Next

The tennis events in New York City are slated to continue through the remainder of the U.S. Open week. Organizers plan additional matches at luxury hotels, with announcements expected for further celebrity appearances.

The upcoming Palace Invitational is set to raise funds for community outreach programs, while the Waldorf Astoria Racquet Club may host a series of exhibition matches featuring rising stars.

Bebe Rexha has scheduled a tour stop in Los Angeles for early October, after her New York birthday festivities. She will perform at the Microsoft Theater, as announced on her official tour page. Fans can look forward to new music releases in the coming months as she prepares for the next chapter of her career.

The blend of high‑profile tennis events and pop culture celebrations underscores New York City’s role as a crossroads for sport, entertainment, and luxury hospitality. The week’s activities suggest a continued trend toward cross‑industry collaborations that benefit athletes, musicians, and sponsors alike. As the U.S.

Open evolves, it remains a prime example of how sports can seamlessly integrate with lifestyle, creating unforgettable experiences for everyone involved.