Features
Redfoo Makes US Open Bid
Redfoo is entered in the USTA Northern California Sectional qualifying tournament in Salinas, Calif., from June 18-23.
He will play under his real name Stefan Gordy in both singles and mixed doubles with 17-year-old Ayaka Okuno, whom he is currently coaching.
The 37-year-old rapper, dancer and DJ, whose father Berry Gordy founded the Motown record label, played tennis as a junior and has attended some of the Grand Slam tournaments.
He was at this week’s Indian Wells, Calif., tournament in support of friend Victoria Azarenka, the world’s No. 2 player.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to play professional tennis,” Redfoo said.
Ramamurthy has entered singles and mixed doubles in the USTA Eastern Sectional qualifying tournament from June 9-15 at the USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Center, where the U.S. Open is played starting in late August.
The 38-year-old actor was a competitive junior player in Texas who considered turning pro.
The winners from each sectional qualifying tournament will advance to the national playoffs, and those winners will earn a wild card into the U.S. Open qualifying tournament.
The mixed doubles champions receive a wild card into the main draw of the U.S. Open.