AMP_8480small

Nick Kyrgios comes into this year’s US Open on the back of reaching his first major singles final at Wimbledon. Following his run in London, the Aussie added a 500-level triumph in Washington, D.C. before admitting that fatigue had caught up to him by the time Cincinnati’s Western & Southern Open was underway.

Recharging in the Big Apple this week, Kyrgios enjoyed a much-needed evening out at an established annual favorite on the social calendar, Citi Taste of Tennis NY. His night of fun still involved keeping the competitive juices flowing for a period when Kyrgios took on Naomi Osaka in a friendly cook-off.

Kyrgios and Osaka were all smiles, on and off the stage.

Kyrgios and Osaka were all smiles, on and off the stage.

Advertising

Paired with Chef Cedric Tovar, the duo prepared a beyond meat fried rice dish. Two-time US Open champion Osaka teamed up with Emma Bengtsson, holder of two Michelin stars at New York’s Aquavit, to counter with a plate of Haitian yakitori. Ultimately, the contest was too close to declare a winner.

“I love these type of events. I think it's good to disconnect from the stressful wait leading up to the US Open,” says Kyrgios. “To have a time like this to see some good friends and good food as well is very important.”

Plenty of star power was present at the iconic host venue, Cipriani 42nd Street. Among those making an appearance? None other than Serena and Venus Williams, who headlined a fireside chat for Citigold VIP Hour.

Said Serena, “It's the best event. I always have fun at this venue, Cipriani's, because it's fun and everyone is on the stage.”

Added Venus, “I've been here for so many years and it's always awesome. It's hard to replicate.”

Within ATP and WTA circles, those attending also included Andrey Rublev, Belinda Bencic, Marin Cilic, Shelby Rogers, Alex de Minaur and Garbiñe Muguruza. The Spaniard, a two-time major winner, shared the stage with Serena’s good friend Eva Longoria to make Casa Del Sol Tequila cocktails.

“I love it [Citi Taste of Tennis]. It's a great combination,” says Muguruza. “You have the energy of the city, a lot of people are here, and I'm having fun! I'm always eating so healthy so I love the guilty food. Anything that is barbecue. Everything is good here.”

Citi Taste of Tennis was an idea first conceived by the mother-daughter duo of Judi and Penny Lerner in 2000. As Thursday night showed once again, their brainchild is a master at serving aces.