The U.S. Open has become one of the most high-profile events of the year in New York City, drawing a growing number of celebrities to the iconic tennis tournament. This year’s event saw over one million attendees at Flushing Meadows, where Janik Sinner claimed victory in the men’s singles, and Aryna Sabalenka triumphed in the women’s singles.
As always, Arthur Ashe Stadium, the tournament’s main venue, was packed with notable figures including Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce, Usher, Jessica Biel, John Krasinski, and Emily Blunt, among others. However, while the stars came out to enjoy the matches, not all of them adhered to proper tennis etiquette.
In an unexpected twist, two high-profile attendees—Jenna Bush Hager and Hoda Kotb, co-hosts of the popular “Today” show—were reportedly asked to quiet down during the men’s final on Sunday afternoon. The request came from none other than legendary Vogue editor and tennis enthusiast Anna Wintour, known for her frequent appearances at the U.S. Open.
During Monday’s episode of “Today With Hoda and Jenna,” the two hosts playfully acknowledged their behavior. “Tennis is fun! We were loud and annoying,” Kotb, 60, admitted with a laugh. Bush Hager, 41, chimed in, saying, “I think Anna Wintour asked us to quiet down.”
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Wintour, a long-time U.S. Open attendee, is known for her love of tennis and her insistence on maintaining the respectful silence traditionally expected during matches. Players often rely on complete concentration while serving, and while the atmosphere inside Arthur Ashe Stadium can be lively, fans are asked to remain quiet during crucial points in the match.
Bush Hager and Kotb’s excitement seemingly clashed with these expectations, catching Wintour’s attention. Though the “Today” show hosts appeared to take the rebuke in stride, the incident sparked conversation about proper spectator behavior at tennis matches, particularly when celebrities are involved.
The U.S. Open often strikes a balance between the intensity of professional tennis and the star-studded spectacle of its celebrity audience. With so many high-profile figures attending, it’s not uncommon for the excitement to occasionally spill over into moments of distraction. However, seasoned fans like Wintour are quick to remind everyone—celebrities included—of the decorum expected in the tennis world.
Despite the lighthearted nature of the incident, it serves as a reminder that even at major events like the U.S. Open, there are still rules of engagement, particularly when it comes to maintaining focus on the athletes who have trained their whole lives for these moments.
As the tournament grows in popularity and continues to attract more famous faces, it will be interesting to see how the line between fan enthusiasm and respect for the game is managed in future events.
