Noah Lyles takes ‘world champions’ jab at NBA while acknowledging Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula at US Open final

Noah Lyles was in attendance for the US Open final between Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Noah Lyles takes ‘world champions’ jab at NBA while acknowledging Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula at US Open final

Aryna Sabalenka, Jessica Pegula and Noah Lyles (images via X)

The US Open final between Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula has attracted many worldwide figures. One of them is track and field star, 2024 Paris Olympics gold medalist Noah Lyles.

The American athlete joined the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Anna Wintour in attendance for the Women’s US Open final on Saturday. Before the final, Lyles clarified his controversial take on the ‘world champions’ comment that sparked the internet in recent times.

YouTube video
These are world champions. International players that play against the top in the world constantly.
Noah Lyles said before the US Open final

Lyles’ ‘world champions’ comment was initially directed at the NBA teams as he questioned the validity of this tag. On top of it, the United States basketball team replied emphatically by winning the Olympic Gold medal at the Paris Olympics.

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However, Lyles hasn’t backtracked on his comments as he sat in attendance to watch the US Open final. Sabalenka and Pegula put on a rather entertaining affair in the Arthur Ashe Stadium on Saturday (September 7).

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Champion Aryna Sabalenka and runner-up Jessica Pegula: Route to the final

Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula‘s route to the US Open final was almost similar. Both were arguably the most in-form players coming into the American slam, and they did justice to their form by reaching the final.

Jessica Pegula and Aryna Sabalenka US Open
Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula (via X and Guardian)

Pegula opened her campaign in an all-American affair against Sofia Kenin and beat her 6-3 6-3. She displayed her dominance for the rest of the tournament until she met unseeded Karolina Muchova in the semifinal. After losing the first 6-1, she battled back to win 1-6 6-4 6-2 and reach her first Grand Slam singles final.

On the other hand, Sabalenka lost one set, which came in the third set against Ekaterina Alexandrova. The second seed had already beaten an American, Emma Navarro, on her route to the final. Although, a close match, Sabalenka ended up the victor at the 2024 US Open.

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