US Open Chair Umpire Kicks Out Spectator After Complaints

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Vivek Devane | Last updated Aug 25, 2025 10:46 AM ET

An Australian fan was ejected from Court 7 at Flushing Meadows after repeatedly disrupting Frenchman Corentin Moutet during his first-round clash with Jordan Thompson at the US Open.

The topsy-turvy match, which stretched nearly three hours, was packed with drama and momentum shifts. Thompson, claimed the opening set 6-2, but not without controversy brewing in the stands.

During the final game of the first set, Moutet became visibly frustrated with a spectator who appeared to be speaking directly to him from the crowd. With the intimate court placing fans at near-court level, the distraction proved hard to ignore.

Chair umpire James Keothavong was forced to intervene after Moutet approached him and pointed to the section of the stands where the disruption occurred. "Buddy, please don't talk to the players please," warned the chair umpire. "If you want to support, that's fine, but not directly at the player."

The Frenchman’s frustrations only grew as he called for a medical timeout following the first set, appearing to struggle physically. At 3-2 up in the second set, Moutet turned his anger back toward the same section of the crowd, celebrating pointedly in their direction after holding serve.

Spectator kicked out of Moutet match after complaints pic.twitter.com/KlllvMerKi
— fakemcgregor (@fakemcgregor1) August 25, 2025

Eventually, Keothavong confronted the disruptive fan, who was wearing a gold Australian Socceroos or Matildas 2018 jersey, and instructed him to leave. The surrounding crowd erupted with applause, cheers, and a loud chorus of “Nah nah nah nah, hey hey hey, goodbye” as the fan was escorted out.

Despite the disruptions and his own struggles, Moutet battled hard before Thompson ultimately secured the victory in a dramatic, rollercoaster encounter.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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