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The U.S. Open has always delivered its share of high drama, but these days, some of the tournament’s most closely watched moments happen before the first ball is even served. Tennis has entered a full-fledged fashion era, with players increasingly treating the court as another kind of runway. Performance still comes first, of course, but personality is very much part of the uniform.
From Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka to Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Świątek, today’s biggest names have helped turn tennis dressing into a spectator sport of its own. Sleek silhouettes, unexpected color, and chunky accessories are making their way onto the court, while off-duty appearances offer an entirely different opportunity for players to flex their fashion credentials. And with New York as the backdrop, the U.S. Open is arguably the perfect place to take a few sartorial risks.
But a great look doesn’t stop at the clothes. Behind the scenes at Arthur Ashe Stadium, the players have a secret weapon of their own: celebrity hairstylist Julien Farel. Celebrating his 18th year at the tournament, Farel is once again bringing his private salon inside the U.S. Open, where his team keeps athletes, VIPs and tennis insiders camera-ready between matches with haircuts, blowouts, braiding, styling, manicures and pedicures.
The Julien Farel pop-up salon at the 2026 US Open on Wednesday, August 26, 2026 in Flushing, NY. (Darren Carroll/USTA)
Over the years, Farel’s chair has welcomed an impressive roster of tennis royalty, including Gauff, Świątek, Sabalenka, Osaka, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Taylor Fritz, Patrick McEnroe, Chris Evert and Billie Jean King. This year, the pampering gets an especially luxe upgrade, with Farel’s signature hair and body products available to players and nail services featuring shades from the Hermès Nail Polish collection.
After all, when the world is watching every serve, celebration and post-match interview, looking the part is practically part of the game. Take a look below at some of the players popping into the Julian Farel glam chairs just in time for their shot at the Grand Slam!
All Images: YUKI TEI
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