Bridgerton star Simone Ashley was photographed kissing businessman Tim Sykes at the US Open tennis tournament, effectively ending speculation about a romance with Joshua Jackson. The incident occurred on Monday, September 2, 2025, and was widely reported within the last 24 hours, confirming a new development in her personal life.
On September 2, during the US Open in New York, Ashley and Sykes were seen sharing intimate moments while watching a match between Jannick Sinner and Alexander Bublik at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Their behavior indicated a comfortable and possibly romantic relationship, as they smiled and laughed together throughout the event, engaging in public displays of affection that caught the attention of photographers and fans.
Ashley, 30, opted for a casual yet elegant outfit, wearing a Polo Ralph Lauren sweater and white pants, complemented by gold accessories and sunglasses. Sykes, in contrast, dressed more formally in a white button-up shirt, blue slacks, and a blue sweater, which may reflect his professional background as a businessman and co-owner of Ruby’s Cafe in New York City. The contrast in their styles did not detract from their apparent connection during the outing.
Tim Sykes is identified as the co-owner of Ruby’s Cafe, a popular establishment in NYC, and the connection between Ashley and Sykes is further hinted by her following him on Instagram, although his private account limits public insight into their relationship. This detail adds an element of mystery to how they might have met, possibly through New York’s social or business circles.
This sighting comes shortly after Ashley was rumored to be dating actor Joshua Jackson, following a paparazzi photo of them holding hands in New York City last month. Jackson, 47, known for his role in Dawson’s Creek, has his own history of public romances, including a brief stint with Lupita Nyong’o that ended with both declaring themselves single. The new development with Sykes suggests Ashley is moving on from those rumors.
Ashley’s most recent public relationship was with Constantin “Tino” Klein, which ended in February after two years. She had openly discussed being in her “single era” in interviews, making this new appearance with Sykes a surprising and noteworthy turn for fans and media alike. Her career has been on the rise with roles in Sex Education and the upcoming F1: The Movie, adding to the public interest in her personal life.
The lack of immediate comment from representatives for both Ashley and Sykes is typical in such situations, but the very public setting of the US Open suggests that Ashley may not be attempting to hide this relationship. Future events, public appearances, or social media activity could provide more clarity on the nature and status of their connection, keeping fans and observers intrigued.
The rapid reporting of this event by multiple reliable news outlets within a short timeframe highlights the intense media scrutiny on celebrity relationships, especially for stars like Ashley who have gained significant fame through hit shows like Bridgerton. It also reflects how such personal moments can quickly become public discourse, influencing perceptions and rumors in the entertainment world.
