CNN
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Coco Gaff She said she “can’t really be bothered” by the climate protesters who delayed her by 45 minutes. US Open Thursday’s semifinal against Karolina Muchova.
Gaff, who went on Won the match 6-4 7-5. and reached her second Grand Slam final, leading early in the second set when a break occurred.
In a statement, the US Open called it a “fan-related” incident at Arthur Ashe Stadium and said an attendee “pinned himself to the floor and due to the nature of the action, medical professionals, the NYPD And security personnel were needed to sort out the problem and remove the fan from the stand.”
As the attendant — who had been shouting about “environmental issues” — was removed, fans inside the stadium cheered, according to the ESPN broadcast.
Four protesters were involved, and three of them “were escorted out of the stadium without incident,” according to a statement from the US Tennis Association.
“Throughout history, moments like this are definitely defining moments,” Goff later told reporters. “I believe in climate change. I don’t really know what they were protesting. I know it was about the environment. I believe in it 100 percent.
“I think there are things we can do better. I know the tournaments are doing better for the environment. Would I prefer not to have that in my match? 100%, yes. I’m sitting here. Not gonna lie. But it is what it is.”
Both Goff and Mochowa walked off the court during the delay as protesters were escorted out of the stadium.
Climate protesters also caused disruption. Last year’s French Open And Matches at Wimbledon earlier this yearwhere they sprinkled orange confetti and jigsaw puzzle pieces on the grass playing surface.
“I knew it was going to happen in this tournament,” Goff said. “It happened at the French Open, it happened at Wimbledon. So, you know, following the trend, it was definitely going to happen here.
He added: “I’m not angry at the protesters. I know the stadium was there because it disrupted the fun. I always talk about preaching what you feel and you What do you believe in?
“Obviously, I don’t want that to happen when I’m winning 6-4 1-0 and I want the momentum to continue. But hey, if they feel like they have to do it to make their voices heard. Needed, so I can’t really be bothered with it.
Goff, the youngest woman to reach the US Open final since Serena Williams in 1999, will next face Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka as she bids for her first Grand Slam title.