Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Video: Interrupting Squirrel At The U.S. Open
By
Jen Chung
Published Aug 30, 2012
Modified Aug 30, 2012
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Jen Chung
Published Aug 30, 2012
Modified Aug 30, 2012
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
On Tuesday, a U.S. Open match between Julien Benneteau and Olivier Rochus was brought to a standstill, thanks to a squirrel who darted across the court. Does he know Rally Squirrel? Either way, he's adorable!
The video shows people (ball boys/girls?) throwing tennis balls at the squirrel, in hopes of flushing—GET IT?!?!—him out. The Post reports, "The frisky rodent suddenly appeared on the DecoTurf court and won oohs and ahs from fans as he darted back and forth... The squirrel disappeared and play resumed — only to be halted again when he briefly returned to the court, before finding a hole in a chain-link fence and vanishing into the wilds of Flushing Meadows." And Benneteau won, 7-6(1) 6-2 6-3.
In case you don't get to see Interrupting Squirrel, we have tips on how to enhance your U.S. Open experience.
Tagged
aww
squirrel
tennis
us open
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Mamdani extends NYC racial equity leader's term after Council pushes back on replacement
Linda Tigani, the current chair of the Commission on Racial Equity, is expected to stay on in the role through July 2027.
By
Elizabeth Kim
Published Oct 28, 2026 at 4:31 p.m. ET
Woman charged with federal hate crimes after allegedly stabbing 2 Jewish men in NYC
Anna Mochalova is accused of using a needle-like object to stab two men near the Diamond District earlier this month.
By
Giulia Heyward
News
Woman charged with federal hate crimes after allegedly stabbing 2 Jewish men in NYC
Anna Mochalova is accused of using a needle-like object to stab two men near the Diamond District earlier this month.
By
Giulia Heyward
Ex-NYPD sergeant sentenced to 4-12 years in deadly drunken Taconic crash
By
Charles Lane
After being booed at integration forum, NYC chancellor praised by school parent leaders
By
Jessica Gould
Lithium-ion battery caused Bronx fire that killed 11-year-old, FDNY says
By
Catalina Gonella
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .