US Open Stars Dine at NYC's Hip Italian Osteria Delbianco
TENNIS' BIGGEST STARS UNWIND AT MIDTOWN ITALIAN HOTTSPOT
The US Open may be heating up, but it's not all about the tennis - at least not when it comes to some of the world's top players. As they gear up for match day, these stylish stars are making time for a chic Midtown Italian spot that's become their go-to ritual: Osteria Delbianco.
Tucked away on East 49th Street, just off Madison Avenue, this swanky eatery has become a magnet for the tennis elite. And we're not talking about any ordinary players - we're talking World No. 1 and No. 2 Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who both made appearances at the restaurant in quick succession last week.
"We run into each other," Alcaraz shrugged to reporters with a mischievous grin after their Thursday encounter. "Just a coincidence, I suppose." But it's clear he wasn't just whistling Dixie - this Spanish sensation returned to Delbianco on Monday, bringing an entourage of 11 that included his father and coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, the former World No. 1.
Co-owner Gustavo Hodzic revealed that Alcaraz indulged in a mouthwatering plate of gnocchi with "a little ragu and truffle" - paired with grilled fish and roasted potatoes. Not bad for a pre-match carb load, if you ask us!
But Alcaraz isn't the only tennis superstar to fall under Delbianco's spell. Jannik Sinner, the 24-year-old Italian ace, is a longtime regular and favorite of the staff. In fact, he first discovered the Osteria in 2020 and has been back every year since, always ordering his signature pasta with bolognese sauce - and sometimes veal or scallops on the side.
"It's like they're part of the family," Hodzic beamed to TheScholarlyNote.com. "Sinner even brings his own favorite bottle of wine from Italy!" It seems this Italian stallion has a taste for tradition, just like his father, who was also a chef.
On Sunday, Sinner's quarterfinal opponent Lorenzo Musetti joined the ranks of Delbianco diners, keeping up the trend of top players fueling up on carbs before big matches. This week, Alcaraz will face Jiri Lehecka in the semifinals - and we wouldn't put it past him to stop by for a pre-match pasta fix.
As for what really goes down when these tennis stars hang out at Delbianco? Well, Hodzic spilled all the juicy details: "They talked, they laughed - they even shared a plate of spaghetti!" The atmosphere is always relaxed and welcoming, he said. "They feel like they're coming home."
Other big-name players who have graced Delbianco's tables include Andrey Rublev, Leylah Fernandez, and Jasmine Paolini - but we suspect there are many more where those came from.
BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE...
Just as Alcaraz was enjoying his second visit to Delbianco in a week, things took an unexpected turn. A brazen fan attempted to snatch something from Sinner's bag on Monday night - talk about bad timing! The Italian had just secured his spot in the quarter-finals and was packing up his gear before heading back to the locker room.
Sinner, ever the gracious champion, stopped to take a selfie with one supporter while handing out towels to another. That's when our intrepid fan saw their chance - attempting to unzip Sinner's bag with lightning speed (or so it seemed).
Fortunately, a quick-thinking security guard was on hand to swat the fan's hands away and prevent any would-be theft. Guess you could say this particular fan got an "ace" in the negative column!
All in all, Osteria Delbianco has proven itself as the go-to spot for tennis stars looking to fuel up (and maybe even have a little fun) before big matches. With its cozy atmosphere and top-notch Italian cuisine, it's no wonder this hotspot is the talk of the town - especially among the world's best players.
SO, WHO WILL BE NEXT TO GRACE DELBIANCO'S TABLES?
Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure: when these tennis stars gather at Osteria Delbianco, it's always a match made in heaven!