 "US president Donald Trump faced a hostile welcome during US Open final. Images: Reuters")
US president Donald Trump’s visit to the US Open final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner on Sunday in New York proved to be as eventful as it was expected. Despite the United States Tennis Association (USTA) asking the broadcasters to avoid showing any “disruptions or reactions” when Trump appeared on the screen, it became impossible as the president was greeted with loud boos during the mega event at the Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sunday.
To make matters worse, the arrival of the US president also led to a 30-minute delay in the US Open final due to the enhanced security measures. The match started at 2.30 pm local time as compared to the originally scheduled 2 pm start. The fans faced more issues as long queues were seen outside the stadium due to individual scanning, which also required the attendees to empty their pockets. The stadium was also empty just before the match due to the lengthy queues.
Trump faces hostile reception at US Open
This was Trump’s first US Open attendance since 2015 and interestingly, he was not invited by the US Open organisers, but by sponsor Rolex, despite him imposing a 39 per cent tariff on Switzerland.
Trump wasn’t alone as his entourage included son-in-law Jared Kushner, granddaughter Arabella Kushner, US Attorney General Pam Bondi, Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
His presence at the stadium divided opinions as he was greeted with loud boos when the broadcasters put him on the big screen. A few cheers could also be heard, but it was far from a welcoming situation for Trump at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
The US Open crowd also booed Trump during his last appearance in 2015, which came after he announced his first presidential campaign.
Nonetheless, Trump has been regularly attending sporting events. He attended the Super Bowl 59 in February 2025 and also handed the FIFA Club World Cup trophy to Chelsea after their win over PSG in the final at New Jersey in July.