cnn
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Coco Gauff said she couldn't “really get mad” at climate protesters who caused a 45-minute delay in the middle of her US Open semi-final against Karolína Muchová on Thursday.
Gauff, who won the match 6-4, 7-5 and reached her second Grand Slam final, was leading at the start of the second set when the interruption occurred.
In a statement, the US Open called it a “fan-related” incident at Arthur Ashe Stadium and said an attendee “became pinned to the ground and due to the nature of this action, medical professionals, police of New York and security personnel to resolve the problem and remove the fan from the stands.”
When the attendant, who was yelling about “environmental issues,” according to the ESPN broadcast, was removed, fans inside the stadium cheered.
Four protesters were involved, and three of them “were escorted out of the stadium without further incident,” according to a statement from the United States Tennis Association.
“Throughout history, moments like this are definitely defining moments,” Gauff later told reporters. “I believe in climate change. I really don't know exactly what they were protesting. I know it was about the environment. I believe 100% in that.
“I think there are things we can do better. I know tournaments are doing things to improve the environment. Would I prefer it not happen in my match? 100%, yes. I'm not going to sit here and lie. But it is what it is.”
Gauff and Muchová left the field during the delay while protesters were escorted out of the stadium.
Climate protesters also disrupted last year's French Open and Wimbledon matches earlier this year, where they scattered orange confetti and puzzle pieces on the grass playing surface.
“I had a feeling this was going to happen in this tournament,” Gauff said. “It happened at the French Open, it happened at Wimbledon. So, you know, going with the trend, it was definitely going to happen here.
She added: “I wasn't angry with the protesters. I know the stadium was because it just interrupted the entertainment. I always talk about preaching what you feel and what you believe in. It was done peacefully, so I can't get too angry about it.
“Obviously I don't want this to happen when I'm leading 6-4 and 1-0 and I wanted to keep the momentum going. But hey, if that's what they felt they needed to do to make their voices heard, I can't really be mad about it.”
Gauff, the youngest woman to reach the US Open final since Serena Williams in 1999, will face Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka in her bid to win her first Grand Slam title.
