WHITE PLAINS, New York: Redfoo - front man of musical duo LMFAO and tennis star Victoria Azarenka's number-one fan - has entered a qualifying tournament for the US Open, the US Tennis Association said Friday.

Actor Sendhil Ramamurthy of television show "Heroes" has also entered, with both entertainers planning to compete in singles and mixed doubles in their respective qualifying events.

Redfoo has entered the USTA Northern California Sectional Qualifying Tournament in Salinas, California, June 18-23.

Ramamurthy has entered the USTA Eastern Sectional Qualifying Tournament held at the USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Center at the home of the US Open, June 9-15.

The wild-haird Redfoo, who made his name as a rapper, dancer and DJ, has gained quite a profile in tennis thanks to his relationship with Azarenka.

He supported her on her run to the Australian Open title in January, where he revealed he had sampled her ear-piercing grunts for a song.

The 37-year-old was also in Indian Wells this week, where Azarenka's bid to defend her title came to an end when she withdrew from her scheduled quarter-final on Thursday with painful inflammation affecting her right foot and ankle.

Redfoo is entered under his given name Stefan Gordy and will play singles and mixed doubles with 17-year-old Ayaka Okuno, who he is currently coaching, the USTA said. - AFP

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