High attendance at the US Open
The Obamas in tennis fever
© imago/ABACAPRESS
Barack and Michelle Obama were seen at the US Open – and witnessed the defeat of Germany’s Laura Siegemund there.
While a grumpy police photo is going around the world from an ex-president, Barack Obama, 62, is beaming in new snapshots with his wife Michelle, 59. The former presidential couple attended the US Open tennis grand slam tournament that is currently taking place in New York City and, of all things, attended the first-round defeat of German tennis player Laura Siegemund, 35.
The 35-year-old had to admit defeat to the 19-year-old local hero Cori “Coco” Gauff in front of the Obamas. But not only the formerly most powerful man in the world was there, numerous other stars were also live on site. For example, the actor Alec Baldwin, 65, who was the focus of attention recently because of the deadly “Rust” tragedy, as well as his Hollywood colleagues Sandra Bullock, 59, and Danny DeVito, 78. Singer Seal, 60, was also spotted in the stands.
But only the Obamas apparently took the opportunity to personally congratulate Gauff on the hard-fought triumph. “I think I will never forget this moment for the rest of my life”, said the amazed 19-year-old, when she was suddenly welcomed by the Obamas. Her “disappointed” mood (despite the win) turned 180 degrees to “really happy”.
Pure enthusiasm for sports
Barack and Michelle Obamas are known for their enthusiasm for sports. Both like to pick up a tennis racket themselves from time to time. But Barack Obama has also proven his accuracy on the basketball hoop time and time again. His love of the sport goes so far that he was a part-time coach on his daughter Sasha’s 22-year-old school team when she was in fourth grade.
The funny story behind it was recently revealed by Michelle Obama while she was visiting Jimmy Fallon, 48: “One day he just took over. He trained them, taught them moves. And the funniest part: It wasn’t just Sasha on the team, but also Maisy Biden, Joe’s youngest granddaughter.”