CNN
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Coco Goff said he could “not really disturb” with climate protesters, who caused a 45 -minute delay in the middle of her US Open semi -finals against Karolina Muchova on Thursday.
Gauf, who had gone to win the match 6-4 7-5 and reached his second Grand Slam final, when the disintegration took place at the beginning of the second set.
In a statement, the US Open called it a “fan related” incident at Arthur Ash Stadium and said that a participant “pasted himself on the floor and due to the nature of this action, medical professionals, NYPD and security personnel were required to resolve the issue and remove the fan from the stand.”
In the form of cartilage – which was shouting about “environmental issues” according to ESPN broadcast – was removed by fans inside the stadium.
According to a statement by the US Tennis Association, four protesters were involved, and three of them were “thrown out of the stadium without further incident.”
“Throughout history, such moments are definitely defined by moments,” Goff later told reporters. “I believe in climate change. I really don’t know what they were protesting. I know it was about the environment. I believe 100%.
“I think there are things that we can do better. I know that the tournaments are doing things to do better for the environment. Would I like it not happening in my match? 100%, yes. I am not sitting here and lying. But it is what it is.”
Both Gauf and Muchova left the court during the delay as the protesters were thrown out of the stadium.
Climate protesters also disrupted last year’s French Open and matching Wimbledon earlier this year, where they sprinkled the orange confede and ara puzzle pieces on the grass surface.
“I felt it was about to happen in this tournament,” Gauf said. “It happened at the French Open, it happened in Wimbledon. So, you know, after the trend, it was definitely going to happen here.
He said: “I was not angry at the protesters. I know the stadium was because it used to interrupt entertainment only. I always speak about preaching what you feel and what you believe. This was done in a peaceful manner, so I could not be very crazy on it.
“Obviously, I don’t want when I am winning 6-4 1-0 and I wanted to continue the speed. But hey, if they felt what they had to do to hear their voice, I could not really be upset on it. ,
The youngest woman Goff to reach the US Open final after Serena Williams in 1999 will face Belarusi Aryana Sabalenka next time as she bid to win her first Grand Slam title.
