Watch: Bizarre protest delays U.S. Open match

NYPD officers remove one of three climate change protesters who glued their feet to the floor in the loge level of Arthur Ashe Stadium during the match between Coco Gauff of the United States and Karolina Muchova of Czech Republic. Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Bizarre protest causes long delay during Coco Gauff's U.S. Open match

By Adam Gretz | Last updated 9/7/23

The women's semifinal match at the U.S. Open between Coco Gauff and Karolina Muchova was suspended for nearly an hour on Thursday night after climate change protestors caused a disturbance in the stands.

Three spectators stood up wearing T-shirts that said "End Fossil Fuels," while also chanting to disrupt the match. Two of the protestors were immediately removed, but a third person glued their feet to the concrete at Arthur Ashe Stadium, delaying their removal from the grounds.

Coco Gauff & Karolina Muchova were forced to stop play due to some people yelling & protesting during the match. pic.twitter.com/vbxttx1id8
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 8, 2023

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

More than dozen police officers arrived on the scene in an effort to remove the protestor, according to the Associated Press.

Final protestor has been escorted out of the stadium. Players likely to return to court shortly. It’s been a 35-minute delay. pic.twitter.com/1HMU2CyjG8
— Matt Majendie (@mattmajendie) September 8, 2023

Coco Gauff spoke to her team about the delay because of the protesters:

“They said they’re on the phone negotiating… like this is a hostage situation.” pic.twitter.com/gZuaLsolsr
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 8, 2023

During the delay Gauff and Muchova eventually went to the locker room to wait out the delay.

Gauff had won the first set when the match was halted early in the second set.

This is not the first Grand Slam tennis tournament this year that has been disrupted by protestors. Multiple matches were interrupted by protestors at Wimbledon, while a similar disturbance took place at tennis matches in Washington state last month.

It is also not the first time Gauff has had her rhythm disrupted at this tournament.

Her first-round match was highlighted by the stalling tactics of opponent Laura Siegemund, resulting in Gauff voicing her displeasure to the match umpire. Gauff ended up coming from behind in that match to win in three sets.

The delay that occurred Thursday night did not affect Gauff's play, as she went on to win in straight sets, 6-4, 7-5.

Coco Gauff advances to the US Open Final.

At 19 years old, she is the youngest American female or male to reach the US Open Final since 17-year-old Serena Williams in 1999. pic.twitter.com/pqIYRiLDcn
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) September 8, 2023

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