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Sabalenka and Raducanu's friendly face-off; Sinner and Osaka team up in 'Petit Slam', Shelton shows off juggling skills

Originally posted on TennisUpToDate.com | Last updated Aug 23, 2025 11:13 AM ET

In a new Daily Dose of Social Media, the biggest stars are getting ready for the US Open with a series of promotional events. Jannik Sinner and Naomi Osaka teamed up for a "Petit Slam," facing off in a table tennis match at a nighttime event for one of their main sponsors. Aryna Sabalenka also attended her promotional commitments and was seen reuniting with Emma Raducanu during a practice session, a moment that highlighted their good relationship off the court.

Meanwhile, Ben Shelton prepared for the tournament by showing off his juggling skills during his warm-up at Flushing Meadows. Maria Sharapova shared photos from her weekend being honored as a Hall of Famer in Newport, while other stars, including Iga Swiatek, Jack Draper, and Alexander Zverev, gave fans a glimpse into their first few days in New York.

Sabalenka arrives in New York as the Star of the US Open

Aryna Sabalenka shared a series of photos from her arrival in New York, where she has been one of the biggest stars in the lead-up to the US Open. The world No. 1 is the defending champion and has been the focus of promotional activities before the tournament. As usual, the three-time Grand Slam champion has shown her great sense of humor and charisma, taking photos with fans and participating in interviews. She was part of a photo shoot for Nike and took part in some activities in Central Park.

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Una publicación compartida de Aryna Sabalenka (@arynasabalenka)

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Una publicación compartida de Nike Women (@nikewomen)

Sabalenka and Raducanu share a moment of respect

Perhaps one of the most interesting moments of the day was her encounter with Emma Raducanu. The two have started to build a rivalry in recent times after several high-intensity matches. They faced each other in the third round of Wimbledon, with Sabalenka winning in straight sets (7-6, 6-4). Then, less than two weeks later, they met again in the third round of the Cincinnati Open. Sabalenka survived an incredible performance from the Brit, winning a hard-fought battle 7-6(3), 4-6, 7-6(5) after three hours in one of the tournament's best matches.

Despite their on-court rivalry, they showed they have a good relationship off the court, sharing a friendly greeting on the practice courts at Flushing Meadows, where both know what it's like to lift the trophy. They played a practice set that Raducanu won 6-1.

Emma Raducanu and Aryna Sabalenka reunite. pic.twitter.com/W8etsbGl4E
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 22, 2025

Emma & Aryna Sabalenka

Getty pic.twitter.com/m9EPIUZx8V
— Raducanu News (@RaducanuNews) August 22, 2025

A star-studded encounter: Sinner and Osaka unite

Jannik Sinner, the defending men's champion, and Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, were two of the biggest stars at the US Open's pre-tournament events. The duo met for a special "Petit Slam" at the Baccarat Hotel, where they were seen playing table tennis.

The event, hosted by their shared sponsor Nike, brought the two champions together as they prepared for the final major of the year. Sinner will begin his title defense against Vit Kopriva, while Osaka, the 2018 and 2020 champion, will face Greet Minnen in her first-round match.

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Una publicación compartida de Jannik Sinner (@janniksin)

Naomi Osaka e Jannik Sinner jogando ping-pong.
Adivinhem quem venceu? pic.twitter.com/NIOkCbvCsZ
— Naomi Osaka Brasil (@naomiosakabr) August 22, 2025

Maria Sharapova enters the Tennis Hall of Fame

Maria Sharapova recently shared some posts from her weekend after being honored at the International Tennis Hall of Fame, where she was officially inducted as an official member of the elite group. For this year, Sharapova and the brothers Mike and Bob Bryan were chosen for induction into the Hall of Fame.

Sharapova, a former world No. 1 and five-time Grand Slam champion, won her first major title at Wimbledon in 2004 at just 17 years old. She is one of only five female players in the Open Era to complete a Career Grand Slam, meaning she won each of the four majors at least once. The former Russian tennis star shared a few glimpses of her weekend celebrating her induction.

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Una publicación compartida de Maria Sharapova (@mariasharapova)

Shelton shows off juggling skills at US Open

Ben Shelton was caught on camera showcasing a particular warm-up routine: juggling. The world No. 6, seen practicing at Flushing Meadows, displayed his skills as a part of his pre-match preparation. Shelton arrives at the US Open as one of the top contenders to challenge Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. He is also perhaps the biggest hope for the American men to win a Grand Slam on home soil.

The recent Canadian Open champion awaits his first-round match this Sunday against 21-year-old Peruvian Ignacio Buse. Buse, who came through the qualifiers, is set to make his Grand Slam debut on the grand stage of Arthur Ashe Stadium.

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Una publicación compartida de US Open (@usopen)

Stars arrive in New York for the US Open

Some of the biggest stars on both the men's and women's tours are sharing their first few days in Flushing Meadows as they prepare for the US Open. On the men's side, Alexander Zverev and Jack Draper posted photos from their time in New York. The world No. 3 German will make his debut against Chile's Alejandro Tabilo, while the world No. 5 Draper will face off against Argentinian qualifier Federico Agustin Gomez.

Among the women, Iga Swiatek and Amanda Anisimova were among those who shared pictures of their arrival. The 8th-seeded American will debut against Australia's Kimberly Birrell, while Swiatek will take on Colombia's Emiliana Arango.