Remember when Noah Lyles appeared in an interview where he dissed the NBA as a sport? It was during the same time last year that the whole sporting community was against the athlete’s comment about the credibility that the NBA as a league has developed throughout these years. It is a big time for the United States as the fans could embrace another US Open champion after Coco Gauff, with Jessica Pegula fighting against Aryna Sabalenka. As the renowned track and field pro stepped in as a guest to enjoy the show, he couldn’t stop himself from giving fans a recap of his controversial take.

The title match between Sabalenka and Pegula successfully turned the Arthur Ashe Stadium into a red carpet for sporting legends. With former WTA pros like Billie Jean King, renowned faces from other sports were also seen crossing boundaries with their presence. Among the likes of Stephen Curry, Lewis Hamilton, and more, Noah Lyles also decided to create headlines with his presence. As a reporter offered him a mic to unleash his thoughts about the high-stake competition, he gave flashbacks of the same old take against the champions.

On being asked a simple “Are these world champions?” question, the famous athlete was quick enough to come up with an admission. “There are world champions,” he repeated, raising his eyebrow. His response didn’t come as a direct statement as the professional track and field star decided to beat around the bush. “International players that play against the top in the world constantly. These are world champions,” he said, giving out his own definition of who the champions actually are.

The controversy took fire when Team USA’s failure to secure a medal at the 2023 FIBA World Cup sparked fresh questions about NBA’s global dominance. Despite boasting the most NBA talent in the tournament, the American national team fell short. This loss was echoed to a greater extent as Noah Lyles raised questions of whether NBA teams should continue calling themselves “world champions” when they only compete in an American league.

The American sprinter reignited this conversation after his victories at the 2023 World Athletics Championships. Lyles, who swept gold in the 100, 200, and 4×100-meter relay, called out NBA teams for claiming world champion status. “World champion of what? The United States?” Lyles said back in 2023, questioning if NBA teams deserved the title without competing against the rest of the world.

Noah Lyles enjoys Jessica Pegula vs Aryna Sabalenka with the “fastest man”

It wasn’t just Noah Lyles who decided to spend his evening among the tennis champions. While he was seen enjoying every shot during the highly intense showdown, renowned F1 racer Lewis Hamilton was also seen sitting alongside him. The renowned sports star, who has had interactions with the tennis world in the past as well, was seen indulging in conversations with Lyles as both of them experienced high levels of thrill during the match.

Adding more to the story, NBA legend Stephen Curry also took time to be a part of the show. While he had the opportunity to meet Jessica Pegula at the Paris Olympics, walking in for her showdown was a gesture that could only add a new chapter to their friendly connection.

Although the American had to go home with disappointment on her face, the fact that stars across various sports showed interest in her moment turned out to be a victory within itself.