On Friday afternoon at the US Open, Croatian tennis star Donna Vekić expressed her excitement, saying, “I just won and I want bangs.” After defeating Peyton Stearns, and following her post-match routine of stretching and showering, Vekić made her way to the Julien Farel pop-up salon nestled within Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens. “I had been waiting all season to see Julien and get bangs inspired by Margot Robbie,” she added.
Julien Farel, a renowned hairstylist, proposed the idea of a salon for tennis players to the United States Tennis Association over twenty years ago. His concept was to provide a space for athletes to receive haircuts, styles, and other forms of self-care during the high-pressure US Open. “It took them five years to say yes,” Farel recalls with a smile. “I was very persistent because I knew this would be a valuable service for many athletes. And I was right. Now, they look forward to this moment to come in and get a haircut.”
The salon, which operates exclusively during the two weeks of the US Open, has hosted many of the sport’s top players. “I cut Rafael Nadal’s hair from long to short in 2010 right here, and it was a big deal,” Farel says. “Everyone from Billie Jean King to Martina Navratilova has sat in these chairs. We even had Coco here right after she won last year’s tournament.”
Farel and his team offer a streamlined version of their services at the Open, including haircuts, blowouts, braids, updos, makeup, and nail treatments. “These are services that players can use to take a moment for themselves and leave feeling refreshed,” Farel explains. During our interview, a query about whether coaches could also get a trim is met with a positive response. “Of course, and players can also visit our Manhattan salon at their convenience,” Farel adds.
With over 500 players competing at this year’s Open, the small Farel salon is fully booked. “It’s an honor to have someone give their all on the court and then come here,” Farel concludes.