Sabalenka Stands Between Gauff and First Grand Slam

Coco Gauff defeated Karolina Muchova to make it through to today’s US Open women’s final, but only after a more than 45-minute delay due to climate change protesters on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Three people, wearing T-shirts bearing the words ‘fossil fuels’ began shouting after the first game of the second set, forcing play to be stopped.

Gauff and Czech 10th seed Muchova initially stayed on the court for about 10 minutes while security tried to deal with the situation, but they eventually left the court with the American teenager leading 6-4 1-0.

When they returned it was the 19-year-old great American hope who made it through to her first US Open final, sealing a famous 6-4 7-5 victory on her sixth match point.

“Some of those points, it was so loud, and I don’t know if my ears are going to be OK,” said Gauff. “Thank you guys this is crazy.

“I grew up watching this tournament so it means a lot to be in the final. But the job is not done, so hopefully you can back me on Saturday.”

Gauff will face new world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka after the Belarusian battled back from being bageled in the opening set to defeat Madison Keys 0-6 7-6 (7-1) 7-6 (10-5) after two hours and 32 minutes in a semi-final which finished just before 1am local time.