NEW YORK: Number one seed Iga Swiatek got a boost for her fourth-round match against Liudmila Samsonova at the US Open on Monday when the star of one of her favorite television shows, “Ted Lasso,” showed up to watch her at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The annual celebrity invasion is in full swing at the final major of the year. Regulars include Vogue editor Anna Wintour and comedian Ben Stiller. Swiatek was thrilled to see “Ted Lasso” lead Jason Sudeikis in the stands to her 6-4, 6-1 victory.
“I’ve actually been trying to avoid looking at the screens, but tonight I saw him when I looked at the referee’s chair,” said Swiatek, who added that she appreciated the “positive” message of the Apple TV show.
“I wanted to stay focused and I hope he appreciates my attitude because that’s what ‘Ted Lasso’ is all about.”
It was the second time that the world number one felt a bit like a star in Flushing Meadows.
The Pole also spoke to 23-time major winner Serena Williams, who took part in the tournament for the first time two years after her last game at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
“It was nice that she approached me, because if it had been otherwise, I certainly wouldn’t have found the courage to do it,” said Swiatek.
However, not all competitors are so reserved.
After his fourth-round victory over Alexei Popyrin, American Frances Tiafoe took the microphone from the on-court interviewer to address Tony Goldwyn, a star of the television show “Scandal,” who was sitting in the audience.
“I’m a huge fan of yours, brother,” Tiafoe said, pointing to Goldwyn. “My girlfriend and I used to watch ‘Scandal.'”
