Stars flock to downtown Miami for Citi Taste of Tennis

On Monday night, Citi Taste of Tennis put on its annual party to jump start the Miami Open with music, dancing and food. Held at the SLS Brickell in downtown Miami, the night combined pro players and a slew of celebrity chefs.

"We buy into all culinary fads," Citi Taste of Tennis co-founder Penny Lerner told Baseline recently. "Myself, I'm a kosher pescatarian. I'm super familiar with people's habits. We try to offer something for everybody and everyone walks away with a full belly, that's the point."

Venus Williams is a regular at Taste of Tennis parties, and she did not disappoint, making the rounds before finding her way to the stage. The three-time Miami Open champion even got behind the DJ decks to keep the music pumping.

"Citi Taste of Tennis has become part of their lives," Lerner said. "A lot of players that come to our events have made it a part of their U.S. swing. It's important for them to be here, and they know if they come to our events they're going to meet the best chefs in the area.

"They're going to have a good time. It releases a lot of stress."

Alexander Zverev and his brother Mischa are another set of famous faces often frequenting the Citi Taste of Tennis events.

John Isner, the new ambassador for Citi Taste of Tennis, never says no to good food. He'll need the extra fuel as the defending champion this week.

"In tennis, the Top 5 always have the opportunity to walk these fabulous red carpets," Lerner said. "Tennis is so deep. The 95 that don't ever get that opportunity, we provide it for them. Why shouldn't they feel pretty, beautiful or handsome? These are the greatest looking athletes in the world, I think, and they should have their moment to shine."

Tons of other players came decked out in their best Miami looks for a night of relaxation ahead of a busy tournament, including Victoria Azarenka:

Shelby Rogers:

Lesia Tsurenko:

Alison Riske:

Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova:

And Kevin Anderson:

Citi Taste of Tennis events take place in Indian Wells, Miami, Washington and New York. The start of the Miami Open main draw was rained out on Tuesday, and will begin on Wednesday.