Linda Noskov meets Charlotte Flair after US Open win
Wimbledon champion Linda Noskov got a surprise guest in her US Open player's box when WWE star Charlotte Flair flew to New York to watch her. After Noskova's second-round win, Flair joked about a future WWE tag-team match—and the tennis star agreed.
The crossover moment landed Wednesday night at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, where World No. 6 Noskova closed out Louis Armstrong Stadium with a commanding win. For fans of celebrity breaking news, it was a rare blend of Grand Slam tennis and pro wrestling star power.
Key Takeaways
- Charlotte Flair sat in Linda Noskova's player's box for the Wimbledon champion's second-round US Open match.
- Noskova beat Lanlana Tararudee 6-4, 6-2 after earlier defeating Katie Volynets 7-5, 6-1.
- Flair, a 14-time WWE world champion, asked Noskova to join her in a tag-team match; Noskova said yes and floated doubles in return.
- Noskova is into the third round for a second straight year and faces 29th seed Ann Li on Friday.
Why did Charlotte Flair come to the US Open?
According to WTA Tennis, Noskova has been a diehard professional wrestling fan since she was 14, and Flair is one of her all-time favorites. When Flair learned of that fandom, she said she was surprised and honored—and decided to fly to New York to meet the Czech star.
Flair first planned to visit on Monday but could not make it because of a prior commitment. She switched to Wednesday, urging Noskova to win so the meeting could happen. Noskova did her part in round one, then delivered again in round two.
What happened when Linda Noskov met Flair courtside?
Flair arrived Wednesday night to watch Noskova play live for the first time, sitting in the player's box as Noskova struck 25 winners in a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Thailand's Lanlana Tararudee. The US Open confirmed the No. 6 seed's straight-sets win on Day 4 inside Louis Armstrong Stadium.
After the match, Flair embraced Noskova and offered congratulations. Noskova later wrote on Instagram that she had been watching Flair since she was 14 and, seven years later, had the privilege of having her in the box—calling it "Unreal."
Did they really talk about a WWE tag-team match?
Yes. After Flair praised the on-court performance, Noskova asked whether the wrestler would attend more Grand Slams and WTA Tour events. Flair said she would, then asked if Noskova would join her for a tag match at WWE.
"That's perfect," Noskova replied with a smile, adding that they could play doubles as well. Flair joked that she would need tennis lessons first—recalling being cut from her sixth-grade tennis team—but offered to teach Noskova "a mean headlock" in return.
Noskova now matches her best US Open run by reaching the third round for the second consecutive year. Her next test is American Ann Li for a spot in the fourth round on Friday, with the wrestling cameo already giving the Flushing Meadows run an extra buzz.