Gauff semi-final chaos as play halted by protestors and players leave court

08 September 2023 , 00:29

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Coco Gauff of the United States looks on during a break of play

A disruption caused by environmental protestors suspended play in the US Open semi-final match between Coco Gauff and Karolina Muchova in Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The protest began early in the second set, with Gauff leading 6-4, 1-0. Three protesters in the arena's upper tiers initiated the protest by chanting, "End fossil fuels", while wearing T-shirts with the same words.

The tournament referee, Jake Garner, stepped onto the court, and security personnel were dispatched toward the protestors. The individuals were recognisable by their T-shirts, including at least one protester who had glued his feet to the ground.

Two protestors were successfully escorted from the scene. However a contingent of more than eight police officers arrived to remove the man who had affixed himself to the floor. This took around 20 minutes.

In response to the protest, Gauff and Muchova remained on the court for several minutes but eventually both decided to leave and return to the locker rooms. Once the man was handcuffed and removed the players were recalled, roughly 35 minutes after the first disturbance.

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Both semi finalists were required to warm up again and by the time the match was ready to resume around 45 minutes had passed.

US Open fossil fuel protestors

Environmental protestors wearing "End Fossil Fuel" t-shirts are escorted out as they disturbed and delayed the match between USA's Coco Gauff and Czech Republic's Karolina Muchova

One of the protesters, who identified himself only as Ian, said they wanted the U.S. Open to be accountable because it has sponsors who are large corporations whose policies are contributing to global warming.

“We are not trying to harm the athletes in any way. We have nothing against the sport, but we are really trying to draw attention to an issue here that there will be no tennis left for anybody in the world to enjoy,” he said.

Gauff, though, remained unperturbed and went on to win the clash, clinching the second set 7-5 and making her way into the Grand Slam final.

Coco Gauff takes a break as protestors break competition

A protester disrupts the Women's Singles Semifinal match between Coco Gauff and Karolina Muchova

Fossil fuel protests have become increasingly popular during high-profile sporting events, specifically tennis. In July at Wimbledon, two matches faced interruptions when environmental activists leaped from the stands at Court 18, dispersing orange confetti on the grass.

In a US Open warm-up tournament held in Washington last month, approximately a dozen individuals were escorted off the premises for chanting and displaying signs protesting the use of fossil fuels.

Due to climate control protestors, several governing bodies worldwide have implemented stricter policies for punishments during sporting events. After the Wimbledon interruption, British Home Security discussed heightened security measures to identify and prevent climate protesters.

Rory Robinson