US Open officially kicks off in Flushing Meadows

As usual, I don't get to watch the Opening Night of the US Open due to time zone difference.

This year, a diverse line-up of celebrities attended the event at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

Andre Agassi's trademark gesture

Andre Agassi who gave a speech on education policy, lead the full force of athletes who were honoured for their active participation in charities and giving back.

NFL star Doug Flutie, NBA star David Robinson and soccer star Mia Hamm

They included soccer superstar Mia Hamm, former NBA champion David Robinson and former NFL star Doug Flutie.

Rob Thomas performing at the Opening Night... odd choice but at least it's not Nick Lachey

Performing at the Opening Night were Rob Thomas, who sang “America the Beautiful" and the O’Jays, “Love Train.”

Other celebrities who attended this event were Christie Brinkley, Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza, etc.

The night wouldn't be complete without fireworks that blasted into the a night sky accented with gold glitter to mark the opening of the season ending Grand Slam.

(Images via US Open official website)

VIDEO: 2009 Arthur Ashe Kids Day

The US Open Arthur Ashe Kids' Day — an annual kid-centric event for families — got off to a rainy start on Saturday and all morning activities were cancelled.

By afternoon, all the programmes went on according to schedule.

Event highlights included musical performances and appearances by popular tennis stars and celebrities — Andy Roddick, James Blake, Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, Will Ferrell, Jordin Sparks and many more.

Jordin Sparks

The performance by funnyman Will Ferrell was probably the highlight of the day, when he appeared wearing the same outfit as Blake and a rubber hairpiece to mimic Blake's clean shaven head.

He then climbed clumsily into the umpire's chair and made a shout out at Blake's exhibition doubles match, offering funny advice like, "Get closer. Try to kiss your opponent."

Here's the video made by tennisnakama of the event:

(Images by Rob Loud/Getty Images North America)

US Open Player Party presented by Heineken

I'm not sure if it's just me... I think this year's party at the Skyline Studios was almost as bland as James Blake's performance on court.

And none of the celebrities excite me...

James Blake and The City's star Olivia Palermo

Venus Williams... the queen of cool

Gossip Girls' star Penn Badgley

Emmy Rossum

(Images by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images North America)

10th Annual BNP Paribas Taste of Tennis

I've been out of town for the past couple of days so I haven't been able to update some of the pre-US Open events that took place over the weekend.

In a quick update, let's start off with the 10th annual BNP Paribas Taste of Tennis, which is famous for its food, drink and celebrities.

Held at the W Hotel, and the Food Bank for New York, it has some of the biggest names in tennis including Andy Roddick, Lleyton Hewitt, Billie Jean King, Sam Groth, Vera Zvonareva, Fernando Gonzalez, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, David Ferrer and Asia's very own Rendy Lu Yen-hsun.

Roddick mixing drinks with Natural Food Chef Bethany Frankel.

Left to right - Chef Ariane Duarte, Jo-Willy, newscaster Hannah Storm and chef Carla Hall.

HCFoo's favourite, Rendy Lu serves up a tennis-themed cake :D

David Ferrer

Vera Zvonareva

Fernando Gonzalez

(Images by Donald Bowers/Getty Images North America)