Serena parties with celebs at Beyonce's birthday bash

"'Cause we like to partay ..."

First, Beyoncé brought out husband Jay Z to Flushing, Queens, for Serena Williams' second-round match against Vania King. Serena dutifully didn't keep the Queen Bey out late, opting for a 6-3, 6-3 victory.

Serena ultimately returned the face-time favor two short days later,appearing at the Beyonic Woman's 35th birthday bash elsewhere in New York City a couple days later, which featured a "Soul Train" theme.

Serena was part of a powerful ensemble cast peppering Bey's party. That crew included (deep breath) Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams, Destiny's erstwhile/eternal daughters; Carmelo Anthony and LaLa Anthony; and a who's who of hip-hop and R&B stars including Usher, Sean "Diddy" Combs (nee Puff Daddy), Cassie, Kendrick Lamar and Chance the Rapper, among others.

The photo story was told by way of Instagram snaps from Ty Hunter, Beyoncé's new stylist, and other charmed attendees.

Williams didn't lose any steam from the evening encounter with her fellow famous types. Earlier in the day on that Monday, she dispatched Yaroslava Shvedova rather simply before going out into the night.

She has rolled over five foes in total so far at this US Open (including a three-setter over Simona Halep on Wednesday night) to earn a place in the semifinals in New York against Karolina Pliskova. Let it be known: Serena doesn't stop.

Follow Jon on Twitter @jonscott9.