US Open is braced for an invasion of sex-crazed BUGS – with stars including Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper advised to alert authorities then STOMP them to death
The US Open is reportedly braced for an invasion of sex-crazed bugs, with authorities warning tennis stars, including Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper, to stomp them to death.
Researchers have warned the spotted lanternfly is expected to swarm New York, after making a comeback following a population plunge last year.
The bugs have reportedly been spotted in 29 of New York State’s 62 counties during the summer.
Spotted lanternflies are an invasive planthopper, which are known for feeding on a wide range of plants.
The pests tend to be spotted more in late August, during their mating season.
With Flushing Meadows boasting the fourth-largest public park in the state, there are concerns players may have to tackle the bugs over the next two weeks.
Tennis stars have been advised to stomp on spotted lanternfly at the US Open in New York
The pests, known for feeding on a wide range of plants, have made a comeback this year
Brian Eshenaur, an invasive species expert at Cornell University, told the Sun: ‘When somebody sees an insect, we ask them to take a picture first. And then stomp on it.’
The state’s own Department of Agriculture has warned that the pest can impact the enjoyment of the outdoors, as they campaign for people to stamp on the bugs.
‘Spotted Lanternfly is a serious invasive pest with a healthy appetite for our plants and it can be a significant nuisance, affecting the quality of life and enjoyment of the outdoors,’ the department state.
‘The spotted lanternfly uses its piercing-sucking mouthpart to feed on sap from over 70 different plant species.
‘It has a strong preference for economically important plants and the feeding damage significantly stresses the plants which can lead to decreased health and potentially death.’
Emma Raducanu and Jack Draper will be carrying British hopes at the US Open
Players already have an example to look to should they encounter a spotted lanternfly on court.
In a match at the Washington Open in July, a ballboy was spotted stomping on a bug that had been saved by tennis star Maria Sakkari.
British hopes at the US Open will be led by Draper and Raducanu, who will be eagerly anticipating the draw later on Thursday.
Draper made the semi-finals of the men’s singles event last year, while Raducanu famously won the women’s title as a qualifier back in 2021.
Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka are the defending champions.
