Thursday night at Arthur Ashe Stadium had a little bit of everything. Michelle Obama walked in to a standing ovation, then settled into a celebrity row that included Hoda Kotb, Al Roker, Robin Roberts, Wanda Sykes, Rami Malek and Jordan Chiles. It was the kind of crowd that makes a semifinal feel like a final.
The tennis matched the moment. Aryna Sabalenka, the defending champion, beat American Jessica Pegula 7-5, 6-2 to reach her fourth consecutive US Open final. She’s now one win away from a third straight title, a run no woman has put together since Serena Williams did it from 2012 to 2014. On the other side, Elena Rybakina knocked off Coco Gauff in three sets to reach her first US Open final and take over the world No. 1 ranking.
So Saturday’s final is set: Sabalenka chasing history, Rybakina playing with nothing to lose and everything to gain. Two great stories, one match. Who are you pulling for?
About the Author
Ava Hart
Ava Hart is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
