The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) is reportedly investigating a pre US Open party held last week in New York City. The party was attended by Serena Williams, Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka, and more top ranked players.
Per tennis insider Ben Rothenberg, the party was held at Crane Club in Manhattan’s West Side. It was hosted by avid tennis fan Dave Grutman, known for his connection to Miami nightlife.
The issue attracting ITIA attention was the fact that the party was “held on behalf of the American betting company DraftKings, which is one of the prominently listed “Partners” of Grutman’s on his website.”
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DraftKings sponsorship of party is issue
A-list attendees, including Serena Williams, Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka, Grigor Dimitrov, Mirra Andreeva, Eva Lys, Taylor Fritz, Matteo Berrettini, Alexandra Eala, and Anna Kalinskaya, attended. Former players now working for ESPN Caroline Wozniacki and Chris Eubanks were also there. Many took photos with Grutman in front of the DraftKings logo. These photos were posted on Grutman’s Instagram page.
The players were reportedly not compensated to attend. However, their appearance at an event sponsored by a sports betting entity could still violate anti-corruption rules.
September 2, 2026; New York, United States; Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka celebrates after winning her second round match against Russia’s Polina Iatcenko. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
Players not compensated to attend could receive private warnings. If it is determined players were compensated to attend the DraftKings-sponsored party, stricter penalties could be handed down.
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Blurred lines between sports betting entities and professional sports
The blurred lines between sports betting entities and professional sports continue to be a hot button topic. This is just the latest example. This news comes on the heels of the US Open adopting Kalshi as its exclusive “prediction market partner.”
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