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Coco Gauff\u2019s U.S. Open semi-final victory over Karolina Muchova was delayed by almost an hour by four environmental activists, one of whom glued his bare feet to the concrete floor of the Arthur Ashe Stadium.<\/p>\n
Gauff was leading 1-0 in the second set when play was halted but ultimately overcame the sideshow to record a convincing 6-4, 7-5 victory.<\/p>\n
\u2018I always speak about preaching about what you feel and what you believe in,\u2019 said the 19-year-old who is now closing in on what would be landmark first Grand Slam triumph. <\/p>\n
\u2018It was done in a peaceful way, so I can\u2019t get too mad at it. Obviously I don\u2019t want it to happen when I\u2019m winning up 6-4, 1-0, and I wanted the momentum to keep going.<\/p>\n
\u2018But hey, if that\u2019s what they felt they needed to do to get their voices heard, I can\u2019t really get upset at it.\u2019<\/p>\n
Security guards and, later, more than a half-dozen police officers went over to confront the protesters, who were wearing shirts that read, \u2018End Fossil Fuels.\u2019 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u2018Throughout history, moments like this are definitely defining moments. I believe, you know, in climate change. I don\u2019t really know exactly what \u2026 they were protesting. I know it was about the environment. I 100% believe in that. I think there are things we can do better,\u2019 Gauff said at her post-match news conference.<\/p>\n
\u2018Would I prefer it not happening in my match \u2014 100%, yeah,\u2019 she said. \u2018I\u2019m not going to sit here and lie.\u2019<\/p>\n
The other women\u2019s semi-final, between Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus and Madison Keys of the United States, began shortly after Gauff\u2019s victory finished. It ended at nearly 1 a.m., with Sabalenka winning 0-6, 7-6 (1), 7-6 (10-5) to reach her second Grand Slam final.<\/p>\n