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There was no shortage of A-listers during the semifinal clash between No. 4 Jessica Pegula and No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Thursday. From rappers to sports figures, several enjoyed the intense clash between the two top seeds.
The US Open's official social media account updated fans about the presence of rapper Ludacris in the arena. They posted the video of the rapper sitting in his signature hairstyle and a navy blue jacket.
The organizers posted another video, this time showing NBA star Karl Anthony-Towns capturing a moment in the game with an iPhone in his hand. He was in a chic long-sleeve outfit and was sitting beside a female wearing black glasses.
Four-time US Open champion Billie Jean King has also turned up for the match. She was spotted wearing a blue jacket and was caught in a candid moment in the suite. Actor Christopher Briney also made it to the match as he posed for cameras before entering the sitting area.
Aryna Sabalenka defeated Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 to reach her third consecutive US Open final. Shortly after this semifinal, Naomi Osaka and Amanda Anisimova will play at Arthur Ashe Stadium in the women's singles second semifinal.
Aryna Sabalenka's reactions after QF wins
Jessica Pegula broke through in the US Open semis after a dominant 6-3, 6-3 quarterfinal win over Barbora Krejcikova. In the process, she became the first woman since Serena Williams (2011-2014) to reach back-to-back US Open semis without dropping a set. After the win, Pegula was happy to learn that she would play in the first semifinal of the day.
“I think it helps when you can get into a rhythm,” Pegula told Tennis Channel’s Jon Wertheim. “I love being able to play first. It’s nice, during the day, everyone’s in a good mood and happy. And then, if you win, you’re done. It's nice just to go to back to the hotel.”
Meanwhile, her opponent and World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka advanced via walkover when Marketa Vondrousova withdrew due to injury. Sabalenka is enjoying a fine run at Grand Slams this year, having advanced to the semis of all four majors. After the walkover, Sabalenka expressed sympathy for her opponent.
"So sorry for Marketa after all she's been through," she said. "She has been playing amazing tennis and I know how badly this must hurt for her. Take care of yourself and I hope you can recover quickly."
This semifinal is a rematch from last year's edition, when Aryna Sabalenka defeated Pegula 7-5, 7-5. The Belarusian holds a 7-2 advantage in their head-to-head record and has won their last three North American hard-court clashes. Therefore, Pegula is looking to avenge her loss from last year and advance to the final.
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Krutik Jain
Krutik Jain is a journalist who has been reporting on baseball at Sportskeeda since 2022. It was in 2018 when the baseball bug bit Krutik, and already a cricket fan, he credits baseball's rules and Clayton Kershaw's pitching to have hooked him to the game.
A Kershaw and Mookie Betts fan, Krutik rates his favorite team LA Dodgers triumphing over Tampa Bay Rays in the 2020 World Series as his best baseball moment so far. His answer to the perennial "one player from the past you could meet" question is Jackie Robinson. Despite never having seen him play, Robinson's impact, legacy and trail-blazing journey have left an indelible impact on Krutik.
A rigorous fact-checker, Krutik likes reporting on the technical aspects of the game as well as off-field elements. When not watching baseball, Krutik is busy playing cricket, staying up to date with the happenings around the world and hiking.
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Edited by Tushhita Barua