US Open Semifinal Delayed 50 Minutes as Man Glues Feet in Climate Protest During Coco Gauff vs. Karolina Muchova Match
US Open semifinal clash between Coco Gauff and Karolina Muchova, causing a 50-minute delay in the match. Here's a breakdown of the incident:
At a crucial point in the match, with Gauff leading Muchova after securing the first set and winning the first game of the second set, four individuals in the upper deck of Arthur Ashe Stadium stood up and brought the match to a halt. The disruption unfolded at 8:05 EDT on Thursday evening.
Superglued Protestor Takes a Stand
One of the protesters made a bold statement by supergluing his feet to the stadium floor. His shirt bore the message «End Fossil Fuels,» aligning with a climate change protest.
US Open's Response
After the incident concluded, the US Open issued a statement explaining the situation: «Following the first game of the second set in the Gauff-Muchova match, play was halted due to a fan-related incident. The fan in question affixed himself to the floor, and due to the nature of this action, medical professionals, NYPD, and security personnel were needed to resolve the issue and remove the fan from the stands.»
Security's Efforts
US Open security worked to disband the protestors, with three of them leaving peacefully and without incident, according to Stacey Allaster, Chief Executive of Professional Tennis at the USTA. However, the delay persisted for a total of 50 minutes, during which Muchova took a medical timeout. Both players eventually left the court while the situation was addressed. The protester's feet were unglued, allowing him to be escorted out by NYPD personnel.
Players' Reactions
Co-coach Brad Gilbert and co-coach Pere Riba, who were supporting Gauff, expressed their astonishment and frustration at the situation. Gauff, still just 19 years old, took
