As the tennis world descends on Indian Wells, a few stars made a quick stop in Hollywood for this year's Oscar festivities. Coco Gauff attended the Academy Awards on Sunday before making an appearance at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, where she snapped a photo with Serena Williams. Reigning US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka was also among the guests at the Beverly Hills afterparty.
“I play tennis so I’m not used to this glam, but it’s nice to get dressed for the day,” Gauff said on the red carpet.
All US Open champions, Gauff (2023), Sabalenka (2024) and Williams (six times) dressed to impress during the star-studded evening.
While Gauff has no problem handling the spotlight on the tennis court, she admitted that her grand entrance at the Oscars was a different story. Asked which was more nerve-wracking, she said: “Walking the carpet, 100 percent. I practice [tennis] every day, and that I do once every blue moon, but everyone was so supportive so that was nice.”
By Monday morning, Gauff had arrived in Indian Wells for one of the biggest tournaments on American soil outside of the US Open. Sabalenka has also made her way to Palm Springs, where main-draw play at the WTA 1000 event begins Wednesday.
While Williams' playing days ended at the 2022 US Open, the American announced the start of a new competitive venture on Monday. The 23-time Grand Slam champion is the newest member of the ownership group of the Toronto Tempo, a WNBA expansion franchise set to join the league in 2026.
“This moment is not just about basketball; it is about showcasing the true value and potential of female athletes. I have always said that women's sports are an incredible investment opportunity,” Williams said.
