Andre Agassi, Taylor Fritz, Zheng Qinwen headline Citi Taste of Tennis in New York City

NEW YORK—Game, Set, Smash Burger? On Thrusday night, Citi Taste of Tennis returned for another star-studded showcase in the heart of New York City.

On the same day that the US Open draw was released, Gotham Hall hosted professional players, chefs and mixologists alike for the much-anticipated, must-attend event leading up to the final Grand Slam of the year.

As rum cocktails and tennis ball tiramisus lined the chef tables, players, both past and present, lined up to try it all.

“Spicy, spicy, definitely spicy,” J.J. Wolf said about all things tennis and the taste of.

Wolf, along with fellow Americans Taylor Fritz, Mackenzie McDonald and Alycia Parks, attended the event. Fritz even went as far as to participate in the cook off against Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen, hosted by another gold-medal owner, Andre Agassi.

Agassi, noted tennis and pickleball expert, was asked about how his fellow Americans might fare in a few days' time in Queens.

“I’m rooting for an American to breakthrough in their backyard,” Agassi said. “We’ve got five in the Top 20. Tommy Paul’s athleticism, the way Taylor hits the ball as quick as the courts are playing, Ben Shelton with the way he’s serving, Sebi Korda with the way he’s hitting it, Tiafoe turned the corner last week. I’m hoping one of them can do something really special.”

Tennis is everything. It’s savory, it’s sweet, spicy, salty, it’s everything. All the palettes. Chef Carmella Charrington

Other attendees included Jelena Ostapenko and Arthur Fils, whose recipe for success include enjoying the ride, practicing hard, and staying composed.

As for the chefs in attendance, the US Open and the concept of tennis seemed more…edible.

“It’s probably like having a big ribeye steak, no sides, protein only,” said Chef Jack Logue, partner of The Lambs Club. “Tennis tastes like blood, sweat, tears and glory.”

Chef Carmella Charrington, who grew up cheering for Venus and Serena Williams, takes the taste of tennis a step further.

“Tennis is everything,” she said. “It’s savory, it’s sweet, spicy, salty, it’s everything. All the palettes.”