The US Open women’s semifinals brought the star power Thursday night, and it wasn’t just on the court. Michelle Obama received a massive ovation from a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd, joining a celebrity section that included Hoda Kotb, Robin Roberts, Al Roker, Wanda Sykes, Rami Malek and Jordan Chiles. The former first lady’s courtside appearance quickly became the moment everyone was talking about.
But the tennis more than held its own. Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka defeated Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2 to reach her fourth consecutive US Open final, moving one win away from becoming the first woman since Serena Williams (2012-2014) to win three straight US Open titles. In the other semifinal, Elena Rybakina rallied past Coco Gauff 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 to reach her first US Open final while securing the incoming world No. 1 ranking.
Saturday’s championship match pits Sabalenka’s power and experience against Rybakina’s momentum and first-time-finalist hunger. It’s a matchup with history on one side and a coronation on the other, and after this week, the Arthur Ashe crowd might be the wild card.
Who are you picking to win it all on Saturday: Sabalenka or Rybakina?
About the Author
Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.