Gallery: Taste Of Tennis 2012

The U.S. Open is kicking off right now! Two weeks of tennis, capped by the men's final on Sunday, September 9. But late last week, before the players took to the court, athletes and chefs mingled at the 13th annual BNP Paribas Taste of Tennis event, which benefits New York Junior Tennis and Learning. If you don't already know, the U.S. Open is one tournament that takes its food seriously. And for further proof, check out these flicks below.

Gail Simmons teaches doubles champ Mike Bryan a thing or two about cooking.[/caption]
Tennis player David Ferrer from Spain and friend.[/caption]
Liz Margulies and Kerri Lisa from Gallery Girls, with oversized tennis ball.[/caption]
Chef Julian Medina.[/caption]
US tennis player James Blake.[/caption]
Chef Kerry Heffernan and tennis player Sam Stosur.[/caption]
Chef Preston Clark.[/caption]
Jonathan Waxman, Fernando Verdasco and Marc Murphy.[/caption]