Thursday night’s U.S. Open semifinal between Coco Gauff and Karolina Muchova was delayed by four anti-fossil fuel protestors. They occupied the upper floors of Arthur Ashe Stadium for 49 minutes. One of them even stuck to the ground with his bare feet.
When Muchova, who was down 4-6, 0-1, was preparing to serve in the second set, there was a stoppage. Three protesters in the upper rows got up and started yelling “End fossil fuels.” Fans, television commentators, and even the players themselves were perplexed by the demonstration. The officials and organizers took to X and posted an official statement on the protest.
Coco Gauff’s US Open semi-final against Karolina Muchova halted by climate change protestors in the stands. #usopen pic.twitter.com/qded3qEYBN
— Matt Majendie (@mattmajendie) September 8, 2023
Gauff told the media after the match that she had a feeling there was going to be a protest at the US Open given the history of similar demonstrations at tennis tournaments.
Coco Gauff says she believes in climate change & can’t be mad at the protesters:
“I believe in climate change. I don’t know exactly what they were protesting.. I 100% believe there are things we could do better. Would I prefer it not happening in my match? 100%. It is what it… pic.twitter.com/86CtDfmDfH
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 8, 2023
Fortunately, neither player appeared to be much concerned by the wait as they both quickly got back into the action. Gauff stated that she “definitely” agrees that the effect of climate change is genuine and that the demonstrators were not to blame. She has utilized her position and platform to promote social justice on a number of different subjects.
Gauff claimed that things should be done to better the environment. “But I prefer it not happening in my match,” she said. Muchova also claimed that the time delay resulted in a loss in the rhythm of the match. However, she concluded by saying, “It is what it is”
Coco Gauff defeated Karolina Muchova to move forward to the final of the US Open
The game progressed from a rough beginning into a massive spectacle. The Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd nearly exploded when, during one rally, both players ran back to catch lobs until Gauff finally stole the point with a fierce forehand pass.
Coco Gauff & Karolina Muchova play the POINT OF THE TOURNAMENT at the US Open.
Coco’s speed defies the laws of basic physics.
The way she’s everywhere at once is scary in all the best ways.
This is the match we were waiting for.
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 8, 2023
There were several serious errors as well. Gauff was broken after she served the final point of the game, and she missed five match points before converting the last one. Both players engaged in an all-court rally that was the longest of the event in both the men’s draw and the women’s draw, clocking in at 40 shots.
And just like that, the dude who glued his feet to the floor at the @usopen Women’s Semifinals Match between Coco Gauff and Karolina Muchova has been forgotten. A 40 shot point!! 🎾#CocoGauff pic.twitter.com/ZOnICDuCpw
— Deplorable Viking (@DanishVikingGA) September 8, 2023
And finally, with a 6-4, 7-5 triumph against the Czech opponent, the 19-year-old American booked a spot in a US Open final for the first time.
In the final, she will compete against Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka. Sabalenka, who will move up to the top slot at world no. 1 the next week, won a tense three-set match against Madison Keys, 0-6, 7-6 (1), 7-6 (10-5) to secure her place. However, there is a 60% possibility of Coco winning the final and clinching her maiden US Open trophy.