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.
Big hugs to @CocoGauff!!! She’s a joy to watch. Always proud. Go USA Tennis!! 🙏🏾💕
— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) September 11, 2026
Racially motivated?
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.
“Two US women lost in the @usopen semis last night, Jess Pegula and Coco Gauff. Michelle Obama sends a message to Gauff but not Pegula? Why can’t people just see players as human beings not what colour skin they are? Establishment are creating divisions not unity, wake up peeps,” tennis journalist Pavvy G posted.
“Melania Trump would never congratulate and praise only the loser who happens to be the same color. You continue to be a disgrace,” someone else added.
This isn’t the first time that Obama has supported Black female athletes recently, as she’s also been a staunch supporter of Atlanta Dream star Angel Reese.
“Don’t mess with this girl,” she told Reese’s detractors. “Don’t mess with her spirit. Do not mess with this angel. Stop it. Just stop it.”
Black women are unquestionably disadvantaged in America, so it’s great that one of the most prominent black women in the United States is such a strong advocate for others, regardless of how some people feel about that.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.