The 2025 U.S. Open has been chalk full of action with big names Aryna Sabalenka, Ben Shelton and Carlos Alcaraz all advancing into the third round.
Follow The Post’s live updates from the U.S. Open in Queens on Friday for all the men’s and women’s action, viral moments, celebrity sightings and more.
For the first time this year at the U.S. Open, Novak Djokovic inched closer to looking more like himself in his third-round match.
Having not played a competitive singles match since Wimbledon and winning two subpar matches to kick off the year’s final Grand Slam, it was enough to bring him to a 6-4, 6-7 (4), 6-2, 6-3 win over Cameron Norrie on Friday night in nearly three hours.
Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates after defeating Cameron Norrie of Great Britain during night six of the US Open Tennis Championships at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Friday August 29, 2025 in Queen, New York. JASON SZENES/ NY POST
However, there were still crucial hiccups from the 24-time Grand Slam winner that could have thrown off the match against a stronger opponent.
Katie Holmes, she's just like us! The actress tried the viral chicken nuggets with caviar -- that costs fans $100 -- during the Novak Djokovic- Cameron Norrie on Saturday night.
Katie Holmes tries the COQODAQ (Chicken Nuggets and Caviar) with her friends as they take in the Novak Djokovic- Cameron Norrie match. JASON SZENES/ NY POST
Katie Holmes tries the COQODAQ (Chicken Nuggets and Caviar) with her friends as they take in the Novak Djokovic- Cameron Norrie match. JASON SZENES/ NY POST
Katie Holmes tries the COQODAQ (Chicken Nuggets and Caviar) with her friends as they take in the Novak Djokovic- Cameron Norrie match. JASON SZENES/ NY POST
Aryna Sabalenka will continue to defend her U.S. Open title.
The 2024 champ cruised in straight sets 6-3, 7-6 (2) over Leylah Fernandez to advance into the round of 16 in the women's singles tournament.
Aryna Sabalenka celebrates after defeating Leylah Fernandez of Canada during their Women's Singles Third Round match on Day Six of the 2025 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 29, 2025 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Getty Images
After making the semifinals last year, the No. 17-seeded American was knocked out in straight sets in the third round by Jan-Lennard Struff, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (7).
Ben Shelton’s quest to return to the U.S. Open semifinals for the second time in three years ended with an apparent left shoulder injury and an emotional exit at Louis Armstrong Stadium.
Shelton retired following the fourth set of his match against unseeded Adrian Mannarino on Friday, with the injury prompting a visit from the trainer earlier in the match before ultimately ending the No. 6 seed’s stint in Queens before a decisive fifth set.
Ben Shelton walks off the court following his Aug. 29 match at the US Open.AFP via Getty Images AFP via Getty Images
The No. 4 seed cruised past Victoria Azarenka, 6-1, 7-5, in the third round of the US Open on Friday.
It marks the 10th time in her career she’s reached the second week of a Grand Slam — and her fourth straight Round of 16 appearance in Flushing.
Jessica Pegula of the U.S. in action during her third round match against Belarus' Victoria Azarenka. REUTERS
Taylor Gahagen (R), husband of Jessica Pegula, looks on during her Women's Singles Third Round match against Victoria Azarenka. Getty Images
The win came with Pegula’s husband, Taylor Gahagen, watching from the stands.
Trendsetters are turning the US Open into an upscale preppy runway complete with tennis-themed heels, chic designer dresses and neon-green manicures — with one fan confessing, “I’m just here for the fashion.”
Nichole Schier dressed to the nines with a Kate Spade tennis purse and matching nails. Annie Wermiel/NY Post
Emma Goodwin rocked homemade tennis-themed heels inspired by Zendaya. Annie Wermiel/NY Post
The stylish set is giving the Kentucky Derby a run for its money by dressing to the nines — some in $15,000 outfits — and hoping to be seen everywhere from social media to TV land.
“I don’t care about tennis. I’m just here for the fashion. There’s really great outfits,” Elena Miglino, a 38-year-old makeup artist, told The Post Thursday night.
Gechi Nzewi and Victor Banjo are pictured in matching outfits on day 5 of the 2025 US Open. Annie Wermiel/NY Post
Alexander Hahn (left) was decked out in Gucci socks, a Lacoste button-up, a $12,000 Rolex watch and a custom-made tennis ring, which he estimated the cost to be about $15,000. Annie Wermiel/NY Post
“I think I’ll post on social media. Maybe I’ll make a funny TikTok,” said Miglino, a former reality TV contestant from “Paris Hilton’s My New BFF.”
An ESPN reporter accidentally called tennis pro Coco Gauff by the name “Simone” in an awkward on-air slip-up as gymnastics legend Simone Biles satnearby at the US Open — causing social media to pounce.
“Simone, this match had it all…” ESPN reporter Katie George told the 21-year-old French Open champ during an interview after she beat Croatia’s Donna Vekick Thursday night.
The sports commentator had just interviewed Biles, who was seated a few rows away at the tournament, when she made the sports world error — sparking backlash online.
Observers on X called the mistake “cringy” and “hilariously awkward.”
“Did that interviewer lady just call Coco Gauff “Simone” or was I hearing things???” one commenter wrote.
ESPN reporter Katie George accidentally called tennis pro Coco Gauff by the name “Simone” in an awkward on-air slip-up as gymnastics legend Simone Biles satnearby at the US Open — causing an uproar on social media.
“Simone, this match had it all…” ESPN reporter Katie George told the 21-year-old French Open champ during an interview after she beat Croatia's Donna Vekic Thursday. AFP via Getty Images
The US Open's new tennis-themed drink, The Watermelon Slice, features champagne and elderflower liquor, costing $39. Annie Wermiel/NY Post
Social media personalities Tessa Brooks, Payton Purther and Julia Mervis enjoyed the cocktail as well. Getty Images for IHG Hotels & Resorts
The boozy beverage comes in a neon-green, tennis ball-shaped wine glass and is a mix of Moët & Chandon Champagne, watermelon juice, elderflower liqueur, and lime with a watermelon wedge.
“I like the bubbles. I like the aftertaste of the watermelon juice. I’d get it again. This is a close second to the Honey Deuce for me,” Brooke Krueger, 36, said, comparing the concoction to the tournament’s signature drink.
“Maybe give me more than one of these and I may change my mind,” Krueger, of the Upper East Side, quipped.
The drink comes in a neon-green, tennis ball-shaped wine glass and has a watermelon wedge. Annie Wermiel/NY Post
"I like the aftertaste of the watermelon juice. I’d get it again," Brooke Krueger said. Annie Wermiel/NY Post
