Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz continued his pursuit of a third U.S. Open title Friday, while Aryna Sabalenka overcame an unusual distraction at Flushing Meadows to reach the fourth round.
Sabalenka was briefly distracted by the smell of cannabis drifting through the sprawling U.S. Open complex, but the top seed kept her focus on the court and advanced.
Former champion Daniil Medvedev also moved into the fourth round, defeating Arthur Rinderknech to maintain his push among the tournament's leading contenders heading into the second week.
The evening session at Arthur Ashe Stadium brought a nostalgic reunion for tennis fans as former U.S. Open doubles champions Venus and Serena Williams returned to the court together.
The sisters rolled back the years but ultimately fell to Maya Joint and Chan Hao-ching 6-3, 6-7 (6), 7-6 (10-7).
