Although both US Open women’s semifinals took place on Thursday night, Michelle Obama received the biggest cheer of the night when her face was shown on the big screen at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The former First Lady of the United States was in attendance to watch Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff on Thursday, with the Americans taking on the top two seeds. Pegula was aiming to reach the final and close in on a maiden Grand Slam, while Gauff attempted to recreate her 2023 title heroics. Another star was fined $20,000 after 17 humiliating minutes. Several high-profile celebrities have attended the US Open this year. However, during Thursday’s evening session, it was Obama’s turn to feel the love.
News spread like wildfire that Obama was in attendance, and she was placed on the big screen for everyone to see during the first set of Sabalenka-Pegula. There was a deafening ovation for approximately 15 seconds, with Obama left flattered by the positive reception. Some fans stood and applauded as Obama was shown, with others rushing to grab their phones and capture the moment. Obama was also wearing a red, white, and blue shirt, seemingly showing her sublte support for Pegula and Gauff. It comes just days after a lip reader spotted Donald Trump’s tense 5 words as he snapped at his helicopter pilot in a furious meltdown.
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While Obama hasn’t had any public interaction with Pegula, she has been a vocal supporter of Gauff. Both Michelle and Barack Obama have met the tennis star several times, including at the 2023 US Open.
The Obamas waited in the wings to greet Gauff after she defeated Laura Siegemund in her first-round match. “That lightened my mood,” Gauff said. “I saw the Secret Service. I didn’t know if it was Mr. Biden and Mrs. Biden.
Obama’s attendance was celebrated by US Open supporters -Credit:2026 Getty Images
“I knew it was somebody. Then I heard that maybe Mr. Clinton was coming. I didn’t know who exactly it was. So I didn’t know until after the match.
“I’ve met Mrs. Obama before. They told me it was just her initially. Then Mr. Obama was there in the room, too. I was like, ‘Oh, my God.’ I haven’t soaked it in.
“I think I’m never going to forget that moment for the rest of my life. I went from being really upset after a win to being really happy. I’m glad I got to meet them.”
Gauff went on to win the US Open that year, announcing herself as a superstar at her home Grand Slam. She has since gone on to win a second Grand Slam, at the French Open, another major that has drawn support from Obama.
In 2022, Gauff made a stunning run to the French Open final as an 18-year-old. “Congrats, @CocoGauff! I’m so proud of you, and I will be rooting for you all the way,” Michelle Obama wrote on X at the time.
Obama is an avid tennis fan and has been a regular attendee at the US Open. She has frequently supported the sport as a player, promoter, and spectator.
In contrast to classy Obama, Trump committed a disgustingly disrespectful act in front of the cameras at the 9/11 memorial.