*Serena Williams, currently chasing history at the U.S. Open in New York, is being called out for allegedly failing to tip her server on a comped $400 meal in Harlem.
According to the New York Daily News, the 34-year-old tennis star showed up at Ricardo Steak House in East Harlem last weekend with a seven-person entourage.
The restaurant’s owner was so giddy to have Williams and her crew there that he comped their entire bill. But according to a witness, they all bounced without leaving a tip:
Via New York Daily News:
“Not only did Williams not leave a tip, but she left without even saying thank you!” says one spy who was in the house when Team Williams committed the double fault.
Getting comped at Ricardo’s is a pretty big deal, considering stars, including Knicks sharpshooter Carmelo Anthony and wife LaLa, are regulars there. Rapper Remy Ma is also a frequent visitor to the Harlem hotspot. While stars occasionally get a round of drinks on the house, we’re told that it’s very rare for management to pick up a $400 bill, which, according to our insiders, would have been the cost of Williams’ group’s tab.
The excitement around Williams’ visit was understandable. She came into town as the No. 1 ranked player at the U.S. Open, then proceeded to blow away Russian star Ekaterina Makarova in the first round on Monday before going up against fellow American Vania King on Thursday.
A restaurant rep said “I can neither confirm or deny the incident” and asked that we didn’t write about it. Williams’ reps at ID-PR did not respond to our request for comment.
Meanwhile, back at Flushing Meadows…
Williams is currently tied with Steffi Graf for most Grand Slam titles in the Open era, and Thursday night she tied another legend, Martina Navratilova, for most match wins by a female player at major tournaments with her 306th career win — courtesy of a 6-3, 6-3 victory over Vania King.
Navratilova was 306-49 during her career at the majors. A win on Saturday would have Serena joining Roger Federer at 307 career wins at a major.
The homies Beyonce and Jay Z were on hand Thursday to cheer on Williams.
Williams told ESPN on Friday that having celebrity friends like Bey and Jay in the crowd doesn’t leave her star-struck, but actually improves her game.
“Usually when people are there, I try to play better, especially if they’re famous and they’re doing so great at their job,” she said, post-match. “It’s like I want to show them that I’m good at my job, too.”
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