Tennis

Novak Djokovic was one happy camper Friday night ... not only did he advance to the finals of the US Open, but he got a surprise visit from Tom Brady.

The tennis great and NFL legend came face to face in a locker room at New York's Flushing Meadows Corona Park after Djokovic beat Ben Shelton 6-3, 6-2, 7-6 in their semifinal match.

Brady showed up to congratulate Djokovic on his victory, propelling him into the finals against Daniil Medvedev. The retired quarterback even brought along his 3 kiddos -- Jack, Benjamin and Vivian -- to meet the world's No. 2 ranked tennis player.

Check out this video posted to X ... Brady and Djokovic shake hands and embrace, both men smiling.

Brady then offers Djokovic some encouragement, "Keep kicking ass, as always." Djokovic replies, "Trying, trying."

One by one, Brady introduces his children to Djokovic before admitting he unfortunately missed Novak's semifinal match.

A protester glued his bare feet to the concrete in the stands of the US Open on Thursday night ... and it caused such a commotion, it delayed Coco Gauff's huge semifinal match for nearly an hour.

The bizarre scene unfolded just minutes into Gauff's tilt with Karolina Muchova at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York ... when a quartet of environmental activists created a massive ruckus in the crowd.

The four, wearing tees with the words "End Fossil Fuels" printed on them, began chanting, leading authorities to quickly spring into action.

Three of the four were taken into custody after just a few moments without issue ... but the fourth required about 49 minutes of attention to remove due to the glue at the bottom of his feet.

Fortunately, officials were able to eventually extricate the man ... and play resumed.

Gauff ended up shaking off the delay no problem ... beating Muchova to advance to the tournament's final. She'll meet Aryna Sabalenka on Saturday to play for the championship.

The protest, of course, was hardly the first one major tennis has seen this year ... back in July, several people rushed the court at Wimbledon, hurling confetti all over the place.

A US Open fan was booted from his seat early Tuesday morning ... after tennis star Alexander Zverev insisted the guy screamed "the most famous Hitler phrase there is" right in the middle of a match.

The incident happened during Zverev's grueling clash with Jannik Sinner at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York ... when just before Zverev went to serve, a fan allegedly yelled out, "Deutschland über alles" -- words associated with Hitler's Nazi regime.

Immediately after the patron had finished shouting, Zverev turned to the chair ump and told him the comment was "unacceptable."

"This is unbelievable," he added.

The US Open official then turned toward the crowd and demanded to know who yelled the remark. Several moments later, the alleged shouter was ID'ed and ejected from the venue.

"A disparaging remark was directed toward Alexander Zverev," a United States Tennis Association spokesman said in a statement following the incident. "The fan was identified and escorted from the stadium."

Zverev would go on to win the match despite the scene ... and afterward, he expressed his disappointment over the whole interaction.

The Biebers served up some major star power at the US Open Friday night … prompting a shoutout from tennis great Coco Gauff -- and paving her way to victory.

Justin and Hailey were kicking back in their box seats at Arthur Ashe Stadium, watching Coco battle Elise Mertens in the third round of the women's grand slam tournament.

Hailey looked like her beautiful self in a trendy leather coat … but Justin stole the show with his funky pink glasses and polka-dot black cap turned back around.

The couple was clearly there to support Coco, jumping to their feet and cheering whenever she won points at critical stages in the match.

Coco went on to beat Mertens in three sets -- 3-6 6-3 6-0.

The 19-year-old phenom gave the Biebers credit for inspiring her to win by their very presence after she dropped the first set.

Coco told an ESPN reporter, "I definitely saw who was there. I thought, 'I cannot lose in front of Justin Bieber.' I didn't lose a game after I saw that."

She added, "I was definitely starstruck with Justin Bieber. And then Hailey coming, too. I guess it was a little date night for them which is really cool.

Daniil Medvedev could use a refresher course in tennis etiquette after twice flying off the handle at the US Open Thursday night.

The tennis star first lost his cool after he blew several match points — one by double-faulting —  in the third set of his second-round match against Christopher O’Connell in Louis Armstrong Stadium.

O’Connell went on to win the set, prompting an angry Medvedev to lash out at a camera person filming him during a break.

In the fourth set, Medvedev acted up again, yelling at crowd members chatting and walking back to their seats as he was about to serve. He screamed, “Can you shut up guys? Are you stupid or what?”

The audience booed Medvedev, but he still went on to victory, beating O’Connell 6-2, 6-2, 6-7 6-2.

Barack and Michelle Obama cheered on Novak Djokovic from the front row of the tennis superstar's US Open match Monday night ... an interesting sight -- considering the trio couldn't have been more in disagreement over the COVID vaccine for the past few years.

No. 44 and his wife were spotted clapping after most of the Joker's points in his dominant win over Alexandre Muller at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.

The match marked the first time Djokovic was able to participate in the famous tournament since 2021 -- as he wasn't allowed to travel to the U.S. last year due to his unwillingness to get the COVID vax.

Of course, the Obamas have staunchly urged people to get the jab since it became available years ago -- even sharing videos of them receiving it back in 2021.

Seems all three were able to put their differences aside Monday night, however ... 'cause it was all smiles from each party throughout the evening.

Hours before Djokovic's big win, the Obamas took in Coco Gauff's match against Laura Siegemund ... and the U.S. star couldn't have been more thrilled about it.

Despite a frustrating match where she argued with officials over the way Siegemund was taking extended breaks between points ... Gauff said her whole mood changed when she got to meet with the Obamas afterward.

"I was like, 'Oh, my God,'" Gauff said, starstruck after their meetup. "I haven't soaked it in because I literally just walked in here. I think I'm going to never forget that moment for the rest of my life. I went from being really upset after a win to, like, being really happy."

The best tennis player in the world is no match for Jimmy Butler -- the NBA superstar proved he's got serious skills on more courts than just the hardwood ... by scoring a point off Carlos Alcaraz during a U.S. Open charity event!!

The Miami Heat hooper was serving as an honorary ball boy for the Spanish star's contest against Frances Tiafoe at the Stars of the Open at Louis Armstrong Stadium on Wednesday ... when all of a sudden, he decided to step in and show off his tennis game.

Okay, so Butler might not be the next Federer ... but he certainly held his own as he rallied with the No. 1-ranked Alcaraz, who was obviously taking it easy on the six-time All-Star.

At one point, Butler asked Alcaraz to hit him with a fast serve so he could prove he could successfully return ... but didn't get his wish, as his opponent put in about 5% power on his attempt.

But, it was Jimmy Buckets who got the crowd roaring by the end of the point ... sneaking a shot past Alcaraz to come out on top!!

Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian have a lot to celebrate ... the couple just welcomed their second child together!!

The tennis superstar revealed the major news with a TikTok on Tuesday ... showing her get up from a table and leave the frame before returning with the little bundle of joy.

Alexis and Olympia look happy as can be -- with big sis adorably giving baby Adira River a kiss on the forehead.

The Reddit co-founder also posted about the newcomer ... saying, "I'm grateful to report our house is teaming with love: a happy & healthy newborn girl and happy & healthy mama."

"Feeling grateful. @serenawilliams you've now given me another incomparable gift — you're the GMOAT. Thanks to all the amazing medical staff who took care of my wife & our daughter 🙏 I'll never forget the moment I introduced @olympiaohanian to her baby sister."

Serena and Alexis shared they were having another daughter at a lavish gender reveal just a few weeks ago ... and now that Adira is here, the countdown is on to see her take the court with Olympia -- just like Mama and Aunt Venus!!

No shirts were necessary for Novak Djokovic following his Cincinnati Open win on Sunday ... 'cause the tennis star ripped the tee right off his chest in celebration of his big victory!!!

Just seconds after the 36-year-old won a grueling, 3-hour-and-49-minute match over Carlos Alcaraz in Ohio ... he ditched his top to commemorate the occasion.

At first, Djokovic dropped to the ground in disbelief over his thrilling win ... and then, after sharing an embrace with Alcaraz, he decided to tear the polo straight off his body.

Djokovic ripped the piece from his neck down -- revealing a shredded bod -- and everyone in attendance loved it.

Of course, the celly was much deserved ... Djokovic needed every ounce of his talent to beat Alcaraz in a final that featured 90-degree heat and multiple lengthy rallies.

Afterward, Djokovic told media members the evening was "one of the exciting matches I've ever played in any tournament."

"It felt like a Grand Slam," he said.

Djokovic became the oldest man to ever win the event ... locking up a victory over Alcaraz for the first time since the 20-year-old beat him at Wimbledon last month.

"You never give up, do you?" Djokovic told Alcaraz after the match. "I love that about you."

He went on to say he hopes to compete against the young star at the U.S. Open later this month.

Well, this is bee-zarre.

Tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas confronted a female fan during his match Wednesday after he claimed she made buzzing noises in an attempt to distract him.

It all happened during Tsitsipas' match against Ben Shelton in the Cincinnati Masters ... when he thought a bee was following him around the court during play.

The No. 4-ranked player in the world made an attempt to swat at the apparent bug with his racket ... before he realized the noise appeared to be actually coming from a spectator sitting behind him.

Tsitsipas went directly to the umpire to let him know what he thought the fan was doing.

"Do you think that's OK?" Tsitsipas said to the umpire.

That's when the 25-year-old went over to the crowd asking which one of them was making the sounds. You can see in broadcast footage from the match one fan pointed directly to a woman in the front row wearing a hat and shades.

"It has never happened in my career," Tsitsipas said to the umpire. "I know they're supporting the [other player]."

"It's the lady over there. I want her out. She needs to go."

The umpire negotiated with Tsitsipas, telling him he would tell her to stop ... and Tsitsipas did as well by confronting her before getting back to the match.

A nail-biting tiebreaker at a professional tennis tournament was interrupted thanks to "Cotton Eye Joe!"

The match was as close as it gets at the semifinals of Montreal's National Bank Open ... Jessica Pegula and Iga Swiatek were trading points, with Pegula ahead 4-3 in the tiebreaker.

As the ball was in play, everyone in the venue heard "If it hadn't been for the Cotton Eye Joe" blaring from the speakers ... the chair ump immediately suspended play.

You hear the announcer kinda shocked, but musically knowledgeable, telling the audience, "Oh wow, 'Cotton Eye Joe' just came on mid-rally."

The point was replayed and in the end, the interruption may have changed the momentum, because Pegula never scored another point and Swiatek won 7-4, taking the second set.

Fear not, Pegula fans ... she won the match in the third set.

Serena Williams' daughter is about to get a lifelong doubles partner ... the tennis legend just revealed she and her hubby, Alexis Ohanian, are having another girl!!!

The couple made the announcement during a lavish party over the weekend ... that featured a prank cake, a dunk tank, and an epic light show.

Williams and Ohanian documented the entire fiesta in a sweet YouTube video -- which showed Serena had been secretly hoping for a second daughter the entire time.

Check out the footage from the bash ... a ton of guests showed up -- including Richard and Venus -- and, at first, they all thought they were going to learn the sex of the newest Ohanian with a cake.

But, Alexis colored it yellow to play a joke on Serena ... one which nearly resulted in her tossing the baked good right into his face!!

Shortly after, though, Alexis put on a light show for the big reveal ... and when "GIRL!" flickered bright in the sky, Serena, Olympia and the rest of the family went crazy.

"We're all so excited to meet you, Jellybean," Alexis said on Instagram after the reveal, "especially @olympiaohanian!"

Kim Kardashian is taking her soccer mom game to the next level ... bringing son Saint with her to Lionel Messi's first game with his new Major League Soccer club.

Kim and Saint are among the celebs in the house for Messi's debut with Inter Miami ... she says they're there to support Saint's passion for soccer, and root on his favorite player, Messi.

Remember ... Kim and Saint have been to soccer games around the world this year, we saw them back in March at a match in Paris.

Kim and Saint are seeing some familiar faces at the game ... because Tristan Thompson is also in the house.

Serena Williams made sure to catch Messi's first game ... and LeBron James did too, even sharing a moment with the soccer star before the game.

Messi's new Inter Miami team is playing Mexican club Cruz Azul at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale ... and he's coming off the bench and expected to play the last 30 minutes.

The G.O.A.T.'s getting a boat ...Tom Brady just announced he's joining a new electric boat racing league as a team owner!!

The former NFL superstar and the newly formed E1 World Championship league made the move officially official on Thursday morning ... revealing the ex-QB will now compete against teams owned by tennis star Rafael Nadal, Formula 1 star Sergio Perez, former soccer star Didier Drogba and more beginning in 2024.

The league promises to be packed with action ... featuring all-electric ships that move on tight courses at speeds of over 100 kilometers per hour.

"UIM E1 World Championship combines several things l love," Brady said when announcing his ownership stake in the league ... "speed, intensity, being on the water, intense competition, and innovative leaders."

He added, "My message to our competition: be prepared for second place because we are aiming for the top! LFG!!!"

45-year-old Brady also said he was pumped that the league -- which is aiming to have 10 teams with mixed-gender pilots -- will be more environmentally friendly than other racing sports.

As for how Tom got started in the process ... he told CNN this week he fell in love with the boating culture following his move to Tampa Bay in 2020.

And, yes, he did say he plans to get behind the wheel of the boats sometime soon -- even though he won't be a pilot when official races begin next year.

"You're damn right I'm going to be in that cockpit at some point," Brady said. "I love speed! I love driving fast!"

Novak Djokovic lost at Wimbledon today, but worse than that ... he had just about everyone in Hollywood around to see it go down live, including the brightest stars on the books.

The tennis legend was facing off against the up-and-coming Spanish sensation, Carlos Alcaraz, and ended up losing in the 5-set match ... only winning the first and fourth ones. It was an intense back-and-forth, but in the end -- Alcaraz took it home in dramatic fashion.

As wild as it was to see the long-reigning Djokovic fall, it was even crazier counting the number of celebs in the building -- at least a dozen or so A-listers had filled the stands.

Some of the biggest names on hand to see these two tennis titans ... Brad Pitt, Daniel Craig, Rachel Weisz, Nick Jonas, Ariana Grande, Andrew Garfield, Jonathan Baily, Idris Elba, Emma Watson, Daniel Bruhl, Tom Hiddleston, Hugh Jackman, and even Prince William and Kate.

Ariana Grande was without her wedding ring again at Wimbledon this weekend, further fueling rumors there's trouble in paradise with her and her husband ... which may be valid.

The singer was at Sunday's big match -- where the men's singles final between Djokovic and Alcaraz is going down -- and she was ringless on a very specific digit. This isn't the first time Ari's been out without her bling ... but this one's a big deal since it's a high-profile event.

She was seated between two celebs -- Andrew Garfield and "Bridgerton" star Jonathan Bailey -- with no sign of her husband Dalton Gomez. That itself isn't notable, seeing how the guy tends to stay out of the spotlight, but the fact she continues to ditch her ring certainly is.

Rumors have been swirling for months that their relationship might be on the rocks -- due, in part, to AG's bare finger being exposed time and again in IG posts she herself publishes ... although, this is something she's explicitly written off in the past as BS.

However, we've been told by sources with direct knowledge that Ari and Dalton have, in fact, had marriage trouble of late ... including a rough patch a few months ago. We don't know what their status is now, but what we do know ... Ari's been away from home/busy at work in the UK -- working on her new movie, 'Wicked,' alongside Cynthia Erivo for a while now.

Of course, Dalton himself has deleted his Instagram account entirely ... just another element that's sent her fans into a frenzy. And yet, Ariana recently telegraphed that things are fine.

On their 2-year anniversary this past May, she posted a photo of her and Dalton kissing at their wedding, writing the number "2" as well as "3.5 together," with an accompanying "I love him so." So, on the face of things ... she's tried projecting a loving bond between them.

The couple got hitched in a private ceremony in Montecito in 2021. Dalton isn't nearly as famous as her -- he's a high-end real estate agent, and not much is really known about him.