Madison Keys in classy act amid 'scary' US Open crowd scenes
The US Open quarter-final came to a halt in the sweltering heat.
Madison Keys has been praised after helping a US Open spectator who collapsed during the first game of her quarter-final match as players have erupted over the dangerous tennis conditions. Daniil Medvedev raised concerns over the extreme heat earlier in the day, during his match against Andrey Rubev, when he claimed a player 'was going to die' competing in the New York heat.
And only hours later, a fan collapsed sitting in Arthur Ashe Stadium in scary scenes. Keys was serving in the first game of the match when the chair umpire called for a halt. Spectators surrounded one fan that had collapsed.
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Keys rushed over and grabbed some water and towels, along with some attentive US Open staff. US Open officials provided the spectator with assistance as he was escorted from the stadium.
However, the incident only highlighted the concern shared from fans and players over the heat during the day. During his semi-final, at one point during the match, Medvedev could be seen complaining into the camera while towelling the sweat off himself during the third set: "You cannot imagine, one player is going to die and then they're going to see."
After the match, he slumped into his chair and wrapped an ice cold towel around his face. Novak Djokovic also admitted he struggled in the heat during the match against Taylor Fritz.
Some of New York's hottest days have been a concern for players and fans. And many reacted with anger towards the tournament after the latest scary incident involving a fan. Some called for all stadiums to be air conditioned and the roof shut during the sweltering days.
Keys was also praised for doing her part to make sure the spectator was fine during the scary court side scenes.
Both players are sitting as there is officially a stoppage in play. The ump has left her post and offering water in the crowd. Keys also offered water and towels to the fans before sitting. It is VERY HUMID in Queens tonight. #USOpen📷 #USOpen2023📷
— 🎾 Bagel Broad (@MsJLaw) September 6, 2023
I loved Madison Keys before, but seeing her stop play to bring bottled water and towels to a fan who collapsed, likely because of the heat, I have a whole new level of respect for her.
— Howard ✡. 🟦 (@HowardA_AtLaw) September 7, 2023
I hope that fan at the US Open is okay!!!!!!! This heat is no joke right now
— mike wilson (@TribeMikewilson) September 6, 2023
It feels like a sauna outside
— CoreyKlar (@Cklar) September 6, 2023
Keys was able to navigate the extreme heat and defeat Marketa Vondrousova in the quarter-final to set-up a clash with Aryna Sabalenka.
Daniil Medvedev fumes at US Open heat
After the match, Medvedev was frustrated at the 'dangerous' conditions in the day session. "The only good thing I see in these conditions is that both suffer," Medvedev said after the match. "Usually there is not one that suffers so it's tough for both of us.
"Honestly, at the end of the first set I kind of couldn't see the ball anymore. I kind of played with sensations. Just tried to go for it, tried to run, tried to catch the balls and he did the same."
Medvedev was ultimately able to deal more effectively with the stifling heat and humidity inside Arthur Ashe Stadium to end Rublev's grand slam charge at the quarter-finals for the ninth time in his career. The all-Russian match lacked the fireworks of the all-American showdown between Frances Tiafoe and Ben Shelton the previous day, but the sight of the pair battling the conditions was no less enthralling.
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