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A star-studded party held ahead of the 2026 US Open has drawn the attention of tennis integrity officials because of its connection to sports betting company DraftKings.

The event at Manhattan’s Crane Club brought together some of the biggest names in tennis, including Serena Williams, Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka, Mirra Andreeva and Taylor Fritz. After photos from the gathering appeared online, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) began examining the circumstances surrounding the event.

The investigation highlights a growing tension in professional tennis: tournaments are increasingly working with betting and prediction-market companies, while players remain subject to strict restrictions on their personal relationships with gambling operators.

DraftKings-Linked Party Raises Integrity Questions

The party took place on August 27, shortly before the US Open main draw began. It was organized by Miami nightlife entrepreneur Dave Grutman, who has longstanding relationships with a number of professional tennis players.

The event was publicly presented as a DraftKings welcome party. Grutman posted photographs from the evening on social media, including images of players posing in front of a backdrop displaying the DraftKings logo.

Among those photographed at the event were Serena Williams, Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka, Mirra Andreeva and Eva Lys. Other notable attendees included Taylor Fritz, Matteo Berrettini, Grigor Dimitrov and Alexandra Eala. Former players Caroline Wozniacki and Chris Eubanks, who were working at the US Open for ESPN, were also present.

The presence of DraftKings branding is what appears to have triggered the integrity concerns rather than the party itself.

Players Reportedly Were Not Paid to Attend

One factor that could influence the case is that the players reportedly did not receive appearance fees.

According to Rothenberg’s reporting, conversations with players and agents involved in the event indicated that the tennis stars attended because of their relationships with Grutman rather than because they had been hired by DraftKings.

Anna Kalinskaya, who attended the dinner but was not pictured directly in front of the DraftKings-branded backdrop, said she was unaware that the betting company was behind the event. She described her reason for attending as simply meeting friends.

However, the lack of direct payment does not necessarily settle the issue.

The ITIA is examining whether participation in a betting-sponsored event, particularly appearances in photographs alongside betting-company branding, could constitute promotion or another prohibited association under tennis’s anti-corruption rules.

What Tennis Betting Rules Say

The Tennis Anti-Corruption Program places strict limits on how covered persons can interact with betting operators.

The rules prohibit covered persons from directly or indirectly facilitating, encouraging or promoting betting on tennis. They also restrict players and other covered individuals from being endorsed, employed, sponsored or otherwise engaged by a tennis betting operator.

That creates a potentially complicated situation for the players involved in the DraftKings event.

Attending a private dinner is not automatically equivalent to endorsing a sportsbook. At the same time, posing for promotional photographs in front of a betting company’s branding could be interpreted differently depending on the circumstances.

The ITIA has not announced that any player violated the rules. Instead, the agency has confirmed that it is aware of the event and is reviewing its circumstances and details.

Potential Consequences Remain Unclear

It is too early to say whether the investigation will lead to disciplinary action.

Previous betting-related cases involving tennis figures have resulted in different outcomes depending on the circumstances. Former players James Blake, Mardy Fish and Bob Bryan have previously received significant fines for paid gambling promotions, although those cases involved more direct commercial activity.

The circumstances surrounding the DraftKings party appear less straightforward because the players were reportedly not compensated.

One possible outcome could therefore be warnings or guidance rather than financial penalties. However, the ITIA has yet to announce any findings or sanctions.

The Betting Debate Is Growing Around Tennis

The investigation comes at a time when gambling and tennis are becoming increasingly intertwined.

The 2026 US Open itself has a commercial relationship with Kalshi, a prediction-market platform that has secured an official partnership with the tournament. At the same time, players face restrictions on their own relationships with betting operators.

That contrast has already generated criticism within the tennis community.

Jessica Pegula, for example, has publicly questioned the situation, pointing to the difference between restrictions placed on players and the commercial relationships available to tournaments. She has also highlighted the abuse players can receive from bettors after matches.

The DraftKings investigation therefore goes beyond one party. It raises broader questions about how tennis should balance commercial partnerships with its efforts to protect competitive integrity.

A Difficult Line Between Sponsorship and Promotion

For tennis authorities, the case illustrates how complicated the relationship between professional athletes and gambling companies has become.

A tournament can establish a commercial partnership with a betting or prediction-market business, while individual players can face restrictions on even appearing to promote such companies.

Whether the DraftKings party crossed that line will ultimately depend on the ITIA’s assessment of the event, the players’ involvement and the nature of the branding.

For now, there are no announced disciplinary findings against the players who attended. The agency is still reviewing the circumstances.

Source: https://www.benrothenberg.com/p/us-open-betting-gambling-draft-kings-party-david-grutman-serena-williams-aryna-sabalenka-coco-gauff-us-open-preview-venus-serena