Trump’s Attendance at US Open Final Draws Mixed Reactions
On Sunday, the men’s US Open Final started about 30 minutes late to ensure security arrangements were in place for President Trump’s arrival, which elicited a blend of boos and cheers from the crowd in Queens, New York.
Trump made a brief appearance on the Jumbotron at Arthur Ashe Stadium during the national anthem, showcasing his hometown pride.
Accompanying him were his son-in-law Jared Kushner, granddaughter Arabella, chief of staff Susie Wills, spokesperson Caroline Leavitt, Attorney General Pam Bondy, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bescent.
The match featured a star-studded audience, including celebrities like Bruce Springsteen, Sting, and Steph Curry, as Italian Gianni Sinner faced off against Carlos Alcaraz from Spain. This marked the third Grand Slam Final of the year with these competitors.
Trump, attending as a guest of Rolex, was seen with CEO Jean-Frederic Dufour. This came just weeks after a hefty 39% tariff was imposed on Swiss products by his administration.
Originally from New York, this was Trump’s first US Open visit since he was a presidential candidate in 2015, where he had watched Serena and Venus Williams compete in the women’s quarterfinals.
On Saturday, it was reported that the USTA requested broadcasters to minimize any distractions linked to Trump’s presence during the event, following the negative reactions he received during his last appearance.
Despite mixed feelings in the audience, Alcaraz expressed a favorable view of Trump’s presence at the final, calling it a “privilege” for tennis. He mentioned, “I think it’s great for the tournament and for the sport.” He added that while he would try not to think about playing in front of such a prominent figure, he sees it as a positive moment for tennis.
This final came right after Belarusian Alina Sabalenka celebrated her second US Open title the day before, thanking American fans for their support throughout her performances at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
