Marion Bartoli couldn’t contain her excitement when she realised that Lewis Hamilton was at the US Open for the final between Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula.
The 2013 Wimbledon champion is part of Sky Sports’ punditry team for the tournament. And she screamed when footage of Hamilton entering the grounds was shown, declaring: “I have to find him!”
The US Open arguably attracts more celebrities than any other tennis tournament. Travis Scott and Rory McIlroy have already been to Flushing Meadows over the fortnight to watch the players in action. And the star power increases ten-fold over finals weekend.
Hamilton was the latest big name to head to the USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Centre to watch first-time Grand Slam finalist Pegula face two-time Australian Open champion Sabalenka in the championship match. And his arrival prompted a strong reaction from Bartoli.
As cameras showed the Mercedes driver walking in, Gigi Salmon knew what was going to happen. “Feli, you’re going to have to contain Marion here,” she told Feliciano Lopez.
Right on cue, the former world No. 7 let out a scream. “Oh my god!” she cried. Giving the viewers some context, Salmon added: “Lewis Hamilton has made his way in. Marion has made no secret of the fact she adores him.”
Retired Spanish tennis star Lopez took the opportunity to jibe at Bartoli, replying: “[Fernando] Alonso is a better driver.” And the Frenchwoman quickly protested his claims.
As the trio stood atop Arthur Ashe Stadium to preview the final, Salmon said: “Feli, she’s going to throw you off the top of this balcony if you say things like that. But I’m not even kidding.”
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