Michelle Obama received a thunderous ovation lasting roughly 15 seconds during the US Open women's semi-finals, leaving the former First Lady visibly moved by the crowd's heartfelt welcome. The applause erupted when she appeared on the Jumbotron during the opening set of Aryna Sabalenka's match against Jessica Pegula inside Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Warm welcome for former First Lady
Obama attended the semi-finals to support home stars Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula. Some spectators stood up and applauded, while others hastily retrieved their mobile phones to document the occasion. She wore a red, white and blue shirt, seemingly offering quiet backing for the American players.
It was a disappointing night for the Americans, with Gauff losing in three sets to Elena Rybakina and Sabalenka then beating Pegula in straight sets to set up a final against Ben Shelton, who reached the men's final against Alexander Zverev.
Obama's long-standing support for Gauff
While Obama hasn't spoken publicly about Pegula, she has consistently championed Gauff. Both Michelle and Barack Obama have crossed paths with the tennis sensation on numerous occasions, including at the 2023 US Open, when the Obamas remained backstage to greet Gauff after her triumph over Laura Siegemund in her opening-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. 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, cementing her status as a phenomenon at her home Grand Slam. She has subsequently added a second Major at the French Open, another tournament that drew backing from Obama.
Obama's tennis passion
In 2022, Gauff produced a remarkable run to the French Open final aged just 18. "Congrats, @CocoGauff! I'm so proud of you, and I will be rooting for you all the way," Michelle Obama posted on X at the time.
Obama is an avid tennis fan and has been a regular fixture at the US Open, consistently supporting the sport as a participant, ambassador, and spectator.
