Protesters force delay in Gauff-Muchova US Open semifinal match - ESPN

NEW YORK — The US Open semifinal between Coco Gauff and Karolina Muchova was delayed by 49 minutes because of a disruption by four environmental activists in the Arthur Ashe Stadium stands Thursday night. One protester glued his bare feet to the concrete floor.

Gauff was leading 1-0 in the second set when play was halted. She would go on to win 6-4, 7-5.

Security guards and, later, more than a half-dozen police officers went over to confront the protesters, who were wearing shirts that read, «End Fossil Fuels.» The U.S. Tennis Association said three of the protesters were escorted out of the stadium without further incident, but it took longer to remove the person who stuck his feet to the ground.

The USTA added that NYPD and medical personnel were needed in order to safely remove that person. All four activists were taken into police custody.

«It was a bit challenging, because, you know, it's not like a typical delay,» Gauff said. «So we didn't know how long it was going to take. We were talking to the supervisor and security. You know, they could say it could be as quick as five minutes or as long as an hour. It was tough to figure out if we stay warm or conserve energy.

Gauff added: „But, you know, it's life. It happens. So I just try my best to keep the momentum that I had going from winning the first set and the first game.“

Muchova said that, initially, she „thought it was, like, fans screaming, cheering.“

Spectators were asked to move away to clear a path for the police, who were cheered by fans sitting near the section where the disruption happened.

One protestor said the group wanted the US Open to be accountable because it has sponsors who are large corporations whose policies are contributing to global