Tennis Integrity Agency investigates US Open party linked to DraftKings

The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) is investigating a pre-U.S. Open party held at the Crane Club in Manhattan that appeared to be hosted on behalf of the betting company DraftKings. The event was organized by Miami nightlife figure Dave Grutman, who lists DraftKings as a partner on his website.

Several high-profile tennis players, including Serena Williams, Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka, Eva Lys, Mirra Andreeva, Grigor Dimitrov, and Taylor Fritz, were in attendance. Social media posts showed players posing in front of a DraftKings-branded backdrop. While reports indicate the players may not have been paid directly to attend, the ITIA is reviewing whether the event violates anti-corruption regulations.

Under Tennis Anti-Corruption rules, covered persons are prohibited from directly or indirectly facilitating, encouraging, or promoting tennis betting, as well as endorsing or being sponsored by betting operators. Potential consequences for violations have ranged from private warnings to five-figure fines for former players in previous instances.