President Donald Trump's appearance at the US Open men's final on Sunday sparked a mix of reactions, security delays, and media directives. Trump's arrival at Arthur Ashe Stadium, his first visit to the tournament since 2015, was met with both cheers and boos from the crowd. The event also saw increased security measures that led to significant delays for attendees and a delayed start to the match between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
The match's start time was pushed back by 30 minutes "to ensure that fans have additional time to get to their seats" due to the enhanced security protocols. These measures, described as reminiscent of airport security, included Secret Service and other federal officers checking bags and ushering attendees through metal detectors. Many fans were still waiting in long lines to enter the stadium even after the match began. Some attendees voiced their frustration, with some saying they were not informed about the expected delays. The Secret Service acknowledged that the security measures "may have contributed to delays" and thanked fans for their patience.
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) also took steps to manage the broadcast coverage of Trump's attendance. The organization requested broadcasters to "refrain from showcasing off-court disruptions". This included any reactions to the President's presence. Despite these requests, Trump's appearance was briefly shown on ESPN during the national anthem, eliciting a mix of cheers and boos from the crowd. When Trump's face appeared on the stadium's big screens, the reactions were similarly mixed, with some booing loudly until the camera cut away. The USTA defended its guidance to broadcasters by stating that they "regularly ask our broadcasters to refrain from showcasing off-court disruptions".
Trump attended the final as a guest of Rolex, despite his administration's imposition of tariffs on Swiss goods, including luxury watches. He was accompanied by family members and members of his administration. According to one source, precautions were put in place ahead of the President's appearance, as nerve agents and chemical weapons were reportedly among the potential threats at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre.
Despite the mixed reception, some figures in the tennis world welcomed Trump's presence. Carlos Alcaraz said that having Trump at the US Open was a "privilege" and "great for tennis". Trump himself seemed to be in good spirits, telling reporters about a planned flyover of the stadium.
Trump's presence at the US Open final underscored the intersection of politics, sports, and public sentiment. The reactions to his appearance, the security measures implemented, and the attempts to manage the broadcast coverage all highlight the complexities of such high-profile events in the current political climate.
