The world of tennis was out in full force on Monday at one of New York’s most prestigious fundraising events.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Benefit, which is better known as the Met Gala, is renowned for its extravagance. According to The Independent, guests invited to the event have to be first reviewed by Anna Wintour, who is the editor of American Vogue. It is reported that tickets for the invite-only event are in the region of $30,000. All money generated from the ticket sales goes towards the Costume Institute, which is the only department of the Met Museum that has to fund itself. The New York Times estimated $12M was raised in 2018.
Former world No.1 Naomi Osaka was one of the co-chairs of this year’s Met Gala after being selected by Wintour. This year’s theme was American independence. Speaking to Vogue, Osaka said her outfit for the event was inspired by her Haitian and Japanese heritage.
“For me, Americana kinda means a mix of all cultures and this dress and this look kind of represents my two backgrounds, Haitian and Japanese, so I was really glad I was able to incorporate it,” she said.
Both of the Williams sisters were at the fundraiser, as well as Maria Sharapova. In fact, at one stage all three of them took a photo together. During their time on the tour, the rivalry between Sharapova and Serena has been fierce at times. In 2017 Sharapova wrote her memoir explaining their feud, which Serena later hit back at.
Also in attendance was US Open champion Emma Raducanu who recently became the first qualifier in history to win a major event at the age of 18. The teenage sensation wore a two-piece black and white outfit which was made by Chanel, as well as Tiffany earrings and rings. Raducanu has seen a surge in sponsorship interest following her recent success and has been branded by marketing experts as one of the most marketable athletes in the world.
As for male tennis players, Felix Auger Aliassme took to the red carpet alongside his girlfriend Nina Ghaibi.
