Introduction: A Disruptive Arrival
On September 7, 2025, President Donald Trump’s attendance at the U.S. Open men’s singles final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, New York, triggered significant disruption. Enhanced security protocols, necessitated by the presence of the U.S. President, delayed the match start by 30 minutes and caused long queues, leaving thousands of seats empty in the 24,000-capacity stadium.
This event, which drew global attention, frustrated fans who paid premium prices for tickets and sparked a polarized crowd response. This article examines the logistical challenges, fan reactions, player perspectives, and broader context of Trump’s appearance at one of tennis’s most prestigious events.
Security Measures Cause Delays
The U.S. Open men’s final, originally set to begin at 2:00 PM ET, was postponed to 2:30 PM ET due to stringent security measures implemented for President Trump’s arrival.
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) announced the delay via X, stating, “Due to enhanced security measures, we are delaying the start of the men’s final to ensure that fans have additional time to get to their seats.” Despite this adjustment, the match did not commence until 2:49 PM, as fans faced extensive security checks, including airport-style scanners and Secret Service screenings.Spectators endured multiple layers of security, such as bag checks and full-body scans, which significantly slowed entry. Lines stretched to the practice courts, with some fans reporting wait times exceeding an hour.
The USTA had advised ticket holders to arrive early via email and X notifications, but many felt the communication was insufficient. The Secret Service issued a statement, saying, “We sincerely thank every fan for their patience and understanding during this necessary process.” The delays resulted in a noticeably sparse crowd during the match’s opening set, with thousands of seats empty.
Fan Reactions and Frustrations
The security-induced delays sparked widespread frustration among attendees, many of whom had spent significant sums—ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars—for tickets to the Carlos Alcaraz vs. Jannik Sinner final. Princess Doe, a fan from Toronto who paid $635 for her ticket, voiced her disappointment: “This is kind of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me… it’s been a little disappointing to say the least.” Another attendee, Leah Gomberg, remarked, “There’s like thousands and thousands of people and it’s already one set through.
We’ve all paid a lot of money to get into our seats and we can’t.”Tennis legend Martina Navratilova, providing commentary for Sky Sports, sympathized with stranded fans, noting the high ticket prices and rainy weather that exacerbated the situation. Some fans, like Karen Stark from Michigan, were more forgiving, stating, “He can go wherever he wants and attend a match if he wants to.” However, the prevailing sentiment, as captured in X posts and interviews, was one of irritation, with many fans forced to watch the early stages of the match on outdoor screens while stuck in security lines.
Mixed Crowd Response to Trump
President Trump, watching from a Rolex-sponsored suite alongside White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Jared Kushner, elicited a polarized reaction from the crowd. When his image appeared on the stadium’s jumbotron during the national anthem, a mix of boos and cheers erupted, with reports indicating that boos were more prominent in the Democrat-leaning city of New York. The jeers grew louder after the first set when Trump was shown again, reflecting the divisive nature of his presence.
The USTA reportedly requested that broadcasters, including ESPN and Sky Sports, avoid highlighting crowd reactions to Trump to prevent further disruptions. While ESPN’s feed captured some audible boos, ABC’s broadcast muted crowd audio during Trump’s initial appearance. Throughout the match, Trump engaged with supporters, signing caps and clapping during the trophy presentation, remaining in the stadium for the entire duration of the Alcaraz-Sinner showdown.
Impact on the Match and Players
Despite the delayed start and initially sparse crowd, the players appeared largely unaffected by the disruptions. Jannik Sinner, the runner-up, commented post-match, “I saw some empty seats, but I had no doubts that they’re going to be full and packed.” Carlos Alcaraz, who clinched the title, expressed a positive view of Trump’s attendance, saying, “I think that it is a privilege for the tournaments having the president from every country just to support the tournament… it’s great for tennis.”
Neither player referenced Trump directly in their post-match speeches, focusing instead on their performance and appreciation for the fans.The match itself was a high-octane contest, with Alcaraz and Sinner delivering a thrilling display of tennis.
By the second set, the stadium was nearly full as fans finally cleared security, restoring the electric atmosphere expected of a Grand Slam final. Broadcaster Chris Fowler noted that the empty seats were due to fans being “not adequately told to be prepared for this,” but the players’ focus remained unshaken.
Broader Context of Trump’s Sports Appearances
Trump’s appearance at the 2025 U.S. Open was his first at the tournament since 2015, when he also faced boos from the crowd. A frequent presence at major sporting events, Trump has attended the Super Bowl, UFC fights, and the FIFA Club World Cup in 2025, often drawing mixed reactions. His U.S. Open visit aligns with this pattern, though the enhanced security measures and crowd response in New York highlighted the challenges of accommodating a polarizing figure at a high-profile event.Interestingly, Trump’s attendance as a guest of Rolex came despite his administration’s 39% tariff on Swiss products, adding an ironic layer to the event.
The U.S. Open also attracted other celebrities, including Bruce Springsteen, Sting, and Steph Curry, underscoring its status as a magnet for high-profile figures. The disruptions caused by Trump’s presence, however, sparked debates about the balance between security and fan experience at major sporting events.
FAQ: Trump’s U.S. Open Appearance
What caused the U.S. Open men’s final delay in 2025?
Enhanced security measures for President Trump’s arrival delayed the match by 30 minutes, with additional screening causing long lines outside Arthur Ashe Stadium.
How did the crowd react to Trump at the U.S. Open?
Trump received a mix of boos and cheers, with louder jeers reported when shown on the jumbotron after the first set, particularly in Democrat-leaning New York.
Why were there empty seats at the U.S. Open final?
Security checks slowed entry, leaving thousands of fans stuck outside, resulting in empty seats during the match’s early stages.
Did the players comment on Trump’s presence?
Carlos Alcaraz called it a “privilege” for tennis, while Jannik Sinner noted the empty seats but was not distracted.Conclusion
President Trump’s attendance at the 2025 U.S.
Open men’s final was a high-profile event that disrupted the tournament’s flow, leaving fans frustrated and seats empty due to stringent security measures.
While the match itself delivered a thrilling spectacle, the logistical challenges and mixed crowd reactions underscored the complexities of hosting a polarizing figure at a major sporting event.
For more on the U.S. Open and its impact, visit Technocrat Magazine’s sports section or follow updates on X with #TechnocratUSOpen2025.
Sources: Information compiled from reputable outlets including NBC News, Reuters, The New York Times, and BBC Sport, with additional sentiment from posts on X. Always verify claims from social media for accuracy.
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