Celebrities at the 2023 US Open: PHOTOS – SheKnows

More than 50 years ago, in 1972, tennis legend Billie Jean King led the fight for equal prize money for both sexes at the US Open. Now the company is celebrating its 50th anniversary and the groundbreaking effort continues, and King was there to celebrate the milestone.

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“While we celebrate today, our work is far from over,” King said in a speech at Arthur Ashe Stadium at the opening ceremony of this year’s US Open on Aug. 28, according to the Associated Press. “Fighting is a never-ending process,” she continued, echoing a quote from Coretta Scott King. “Freedom is never really won. You deserve it and win it every generation.”

King’s powerful speech was followed by a surprise performance by Michelle Obama, who honored the icon of tennis and equality. “Let’s remember that this is all much more than a champion’s paycheck,” the former first lady said in her speech. “This is about how women are seen and valued in this world. We have seen how quickly advances like this can be undone if we are not mindful and vigilant [and] unless we keep remembering, advocating, organizing, speaking up and, yes, voting.”

So, in honor of the historic competition, we’re compiling all the celebrities who appeared in the stands. Whether they’ve come to cheer on the players, have a fun date night, or anything in between, check them all out below!

• Barack and Michelle Obama

  
  Image Credit: Gotham/GC Images

  Following her speech, Michelle Obama was joined by her husband, former President Barack Obama, as they watched American player Coco Gauff win her first game of the tournament.

• Sarah Bareilles

  
  Credit: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

  ‘Love Song’ singer Sara Bareilles performed at the competition’s opening ceremony in this yellow leopard print wrap dress.

• Billie Jean King

  
  Credit: Jackson Lee/GC Images

  Billie Jean King looked as happy as ever as she took the stage to celebrate 50 years of equal awards.

• Katie Couric

  
  Image Credit: Gotham/GC Images

  Katie Couric was also there on the evening of the event when her husband John Molner joined her in the stands.

• Hilaria and Alec Baldwin

  
  Image Credit: Gotham/GC Images

  The controversial couple Hilaria and Alex Baldwin also intervened in the match.

• Danny Devito

  
  Image Credit: Gotham/GC Images

  Danny Devito might not have seemed overly impressed, but the actor was in the front row of the game.

• Jamie Chung and Bryan Greenberg

  
  Image Credit: Gotham/GC Images

  The US Open also became date night for actors Jamie Chung and Bryan Greenberg.

• Vera Wang and Anna Wintour

  
  Image Credit: Gotham/GC Images

  The US Open crowd was immediately more fashionable as fashion designer Vera Wang and Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour took their seats. What a duo!

• Rosie Perez

  
  Credit: Noam Galai/Getty Images for Master Double Tequila

  Flight Attendant star Rosie Perez smiled for the cameras while enjoying the game with a friend.

• Maria Sharapova

  
  Image Credit: Gotham/GC Images

  Former tennis star Maria Sharapova lit up the stadium in this incredibly bright orange suit.

• dr Ruth

  
  Image Credit: Gotham/GC Images

  The sex therapist Dr. Ruth was excited as she watched the games.

• seal

  
  Credit: Noam Galai/Getty Images for Master Double Tequila

  Singer Seal posed before the start of a match with tennis player Rastislav Relic.