President Donald Trump attended the U.S. Open men’s singles final Sunday, eliciting both cheers and boos from the crowd and prompting a 30-minute delay to the start of the match due to heightened security protocols. The late arrival postponed the match originally scheduled for 2 p.m. ET to 2:30 p.m., officials announced just before play began.
An ABC broadcast captured Trump waving from a luxury box, though the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) had requested that broadcasters refrain from airing any audience reactions to his appearance. A USTA spokesperson emphasized its standard practice “to refrain from showcasing off-court disruptions.”
The delay was attributed to “security measures in place” and was meant to give fans “additional time to get to their seats,” according to a U.S. Open statement. The request was intended to mitigate safety risks, though reports varied on the exact delay duration—some accounts estimate it extended to 48 minutes due to still-sparse seating.
Inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, reactions were polarized. While some attendees cheered the former president, others booed, reflecting deep political fractures in the U.S. scene—especially in New York, a Democratic-leaning city. The true magnitude of crowd sentiment was muted on television by the USTA’s directive.
Trump became the first sitting U.S. president to attend the tournament since Bill Clinton in 2000. His last visit to the Open was in 2015, shortly after announcing his first presidential bid—when he was also booed by some fans. For this appearance, he arrived amid a significant security presence and was seated in a box sponsored by Rolex, a tournament patron.
Broadcasters were notified in advance to avoid broadcasting any boos or applause, particularly at visible moments such as the national anthem. A memo emphasized avoiding “showcasing any disruptions to the President’s attendance.” Despite this, media outlets speculated on how effectively spontaneous crowd reactions could be fully suppressed.
This year’s men’s final featured a top-tier matchup between world No. 1 Jannik Sinner and former No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz—the first time two players competed in all three Grand Slam finals in a single season. Their clash followed earlier tributes in the women’s event and the presence of notable American stars.
Despite the distraction, Carlos Alcaraz commented that a sitting president’s attendance is “positive recognition for the sport,” though he added he tried not to let it affect his concentration. The final ultimately proceeded, with the stadium filling gradually, even though thousands were still settling in as play got underway.
Trump’s presence at the Open underscores the increasing intersection of politics and professional sport. His administration has previously sought to assert influence over team identities and league policies—from transgender athlete bans to urging NFL team name changes. These intrusions into sports institutions often amplify polarization.
Observers highlight that while sports generally serves as communal ground, this and other appearances have redefined stadiums as political stages. Many reporters and organizers expressed concern about where political displays should end and athletic focus should begin.
President Trump’s attendance at the U.S. Open final precipitated a rare delay and exposed deep divisions among fans. The USTA’s decision to mute crowd reactions reflected a desire to prioritize fairness over spectacle—but also showcased how sports venues have become arenas for broader cultural conflicts.
In a city—and country—increasingly divided, what unfolded at Arthur Ashe Stadium was more than a tennis match: it was a microcosm of the fusion between political performance and a treasured sporting spectacle.
Analysts say this year’s controversy could influence how the USTA and other sporting bodies handle political figures at future events. While presidents and politicians have long been invited to major championships, the heightened polarization of today’s climate means even routine appearances carry risks of distraction and division. Tournament organizers may need to revisit protocols for managing crowd reactions, balancing security requirements with preserving the atmosphere that makes live sports unique.
Beyond the immediate moment, Trump’s appearance at the U.S. Open highlights how sports are increasingly entwined with cultural and political debates. Whether it’s anthem protests, debates over athlete endorsements, or presidential appearances courtside, sporting events are no longer insulated from the currents of national politics. For some fans, that intersection is invigorating. For others, it erodes the escapism they once found in sport. Either way, the men’s final of the 2025 U.S. Open will be remembered not just for the clash between Sinner and Alcaraz, but for the moment a tennis stadium became a stage for America’s political divide.