(RestoreAmericanGlory.com) – On Thursday protesters wearing shirts that read “End Fossil Fuels” interrupted the U.S. Open semifinals during the second set between Karolina Muchova and Coco Gauff. Gauff was leading the match 6-4, 1-0 at the point of the interruption.
Jake Gardner, the referee of the U.S. Open went into the court as security attempted to have the disruptors removed. Following the protest, four protesters were placed into custody. One protester notably had glued their shows to the Arthur Ashe Stadium floor.
The police also responded at the scene, with many fans cheering as the protesters were being led away by police officers. During the incident, Gauff was sitting on her bench and was eating fruit from a container. She then proceeded with a few practice serves. Muchova on the other hand had a trainer visit her. As the delay continued both athletes went to the locker room.
After the end of the match, the United States Tennis Association noted in a statement that there had been an interruption caused by the four spectators who were there to protest. Three of the protesters were easily removed from the stadium without further incident, however, the fourth protester had used glue to stick their bare feet on the stadium floor, and as such both the NYPD and medical personnel had to be involved in the person’s removal.
The play was resumed after a 49-minute delay while the four protesters were taken into custody.
Gauff ended up winning the match and will now be competing in the U.S. Open final.
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