The women's side of the US Open nearly had an all-American final, with the semifinals featuring Aryna Sabalenka vs. American Jessica Pegula and Elena Rybakina vs. American Coco Gauff. Unfortunately for the Stars and Stripes, when Thursday night ended, neither Pegula nor Gauff had advanced, with Pegula losing in straight sets and Gauff falling in three.
One of the attendees in Arthur Ashe Stadium on Thursday night was former First Lady Michelle Obama. As dissapointing as Thursday's results may have been for the former White House resident, Obama still sent a message of support at the conclusion of the matches.
"Big hugs to CocoGauff!!! She's a joy to watch. Always proud. Go USA Tennis!!" Obama posted on X.
As positive as Obama's message was, many fans on social media took exception to Obama not also addressing Pegula's performance, and questioned if there were racial motivations behind Obama's decision.
"Why do you only show up & root for black athletes?!? Racist much?" one fan posted on X.

#former