On his rare night off from smashing home runs for the Yankees, Aaron Judge decided to trade the bright lights of The Bronx for a different kind of spotlight in Queens. The Yankees slugger, along with his wife Samantha Bracksieck, enjoyed a well-deserved break at the U.S. Open on Thursday evening. They were joined by Judge’s teammate Anthony Rizzo and his wife Emily, making it a double date to remember at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
The group didn’t just blend into the crowd; they were spotted savoring the tournament’s signature drink, the Honey Deuce, a refreshing Grey Goose cocktail topped with three melon balls, a perfect complement to the evening’s tennis action. As they relaxed in the newly redesigned Emirates Suite—a sprawling 1,358-square-foot luxury haven that ranks among the largest at the tournament—they witnessed Karolina Muchova’s thrilling victory over Naomi Osaka in the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium. The Emirates Suite, known for its world-class hospitality and premium service, provided the perfect backdrop for an evening of top-tier tennis.
This isn’t a new tradition for Judge. The Yankees captain has made it a point to attend the U.S. Open with Bracksieck for the past two years, a testament to his appreciation for the game and the chance to unwind amidst the high-stakes baseball season.
Judge’s night off is more than well-earned. The slugger has been on a season-long tear, and his performance in August alone has been nothing short of spectacular. Over the 24 games played so far this month, Judge has been an unstoppable force, boasting a slash line of .415/.556/.927. His power at the plate has resulted in 12 home runs and 24 RBIs, while his keen eye has led to 24 walks, nine of which were intentional. He’s also chipped in with six doubles and even a couple of stolen bases, proving that he’s a threat in every facet of the game.
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As of Thursday, Judge leads all of Major League Baseball with 51 home runs, 123 RBIs, and an astounding .467 on-base percentage. His .731 slugging percentage and 1.198 OPS are also tops in the league, and his .333 batting average places him second, just behind Kansas City’s Bobby Witt, who’s hitting .345. Judge’s dominance is further reflected in his MLB-best 10.1 offensive WAR, and he’s well on his way to challenging his own American League record of 62 homers.
Adding to the excitement, Judge is set to get some reinforcements in the lineup. His good friend and teammate, Anthony Rizzo, is nearing a return from a forearm injury that’s kept him on the injured list since mid-June. After a successful rehab assignment in Double-A Somerset, Rizzo’s return to the Yankees is imminent, just in time for a crucial playoff push in the tight AL East race.
But before the focus shifts back to baseball, Judge and his companions enjoyed a night of world-class tennis, good company, and a little taste of luxury in Queens.
On Friday, the Yankees will return to the diamond, ready to face the Cardinals in a three-game set at Yankee Stadium, with Judge leading the charge as they aim to solidify their postseason aspirations.
