Taste of Tennis unites stars ahead of the US Open

NEW YORK—Taste of Tennis enthralled the masses in Manhattan on Thursday with tennis-playing talents and culinary masterminds mixing and mingling together for a night of food and music.

The Taste of Tennis event has grown rapidly over the years, taking place each year in Miami, Indian Wells, Washington and New York. Guest appearances in New York—the biggest bash of them all—included Serena and Venus Williams, Mischa and Alexander Zverev, Sloane Stephens, Victoria Azarenka, Simona Halep, Kevin Anderson and many more.

The blue carpet was stationed just outside of Taste of Tenis' newest venue, Cipriani, with plenty of curious New Yorkers stopping by to catch a glimpse of the stars walking in.

American Stephens will be a fan favorite next week when she begins her US Open title defense.

Cipriani was packed full of guests, players and chefs, who enjoyed an array of incredible foods and drinks including the impossible burger, beef tartare, flatbreads, tacos, ceviche, burritos, Aperol spritzes, wine and Red Stripe beers, to name just a few. Once the booming main hall was full of happy, stuffed patrons, the dessert tables opened, with dedicated eaters marching onward.

Nick Kyrgios was poker-faced for the photographers outside, but he loosened up inside, especially while choosing tunes with DJ Mad Linx.

A few others got to take over the DJ's mixing table including Alexander Zverev, Azarenka, Stephens and Venus.

Serena came in through the back door and her surprise appearance thrilled the already very warmed-up crowd. She dived right into a cooking session on stage.

As expected, the 23-time Grand Slam champion stepped up to the challenge and showed off some solid culinary skills.

For those that weren't cooking or mixing tunes, there was fruit-induced water to be created. Marin Cilic put together his own special recipe.

The proper fuel and hydration will be crucial for the players as they get set for the final Grand Slam of the year, which starts on Monday.

Follow Nina on Twitter @ninapantic1.

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