Sharapova, Bryan Brothers attend pre-U.S. Open fête

Before the players took to the court, they hit the red carpet.

The American doubles team of Bob & Mike Bryan – the defending champions and winner of four Grand Slam titles – and 2004 Wimbledon singles titlist Maria Sharapova were the main guests of honor at the Manhattan Automobile Company days prior to the start of the 2006 U.S. Open. Others joined the tennis stars at the rooftop party, including model Carol Alt, Miss Teen USA Katie Blair, Miss USA Tara Conner, and Channing Frye and David Lee of the New York Knicks.

Sharapova told reporters that she was glad to be back in New York City; last year’s run to the semifinals was her best result at the Open to date. She also said that she was wearing a dress designed by Anna Sui and vintage jewelry. However, the 6’2” Russian wasn’t so forthcoming when asked about her relationship with fellow player Andy Roddick, even asking one reporter, “Andy?” as if to say, “Andy Who?”

Some of the celebrity attendees themselves were starstruck – one by the media, no less. When David Lee realized that he was about to be interviewed by former doubles player Murphy Jensen, he exclaimed, “The Jensen Brothers!” Murphy, with older brother Luke Jensen, won the 1993 French Open. Murphy is now a reporter for The Tennis Channel.

all photos by Yuan-Kwan Chan / Meniscus Magazine