Donald Trump attends US Open men’s final in New York, greeted by cheers and boos as security delays push back match start by 30 minutes.
A Delayed Start in New York
The U.S. Open men’s singles final in Flushing Meadows, New York, began 30 minutes later than scheduled on Sunday after heightened security measures were put in place for the arrival of U.S. President Donald Trump.
How the Crowd Responded
Trump, stepping into a box seat at Arthur Ashe Stadium, was met with a mix of cheers and boos. Broadcasters avoided airing crowd reactions, with the U.S. Tennis Association asking networks not to showcase disruptions outside of play.
Security Measures Implemented
Tournament organizers announced shortly before the scheduled 2 p.m. ET start that security screenings would extend entry times for fans. The match between Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz and Italy’s Jannik Sinner eventually started at 2:30 p.m. ET.
Why Trump’s Presence Stood Out
Trump, a Republican president and outspoken sports enthusiast, has often used high-profile athletic events to reinforce his public image. His visit to the U.S. Open followed previous appearances at the Super Bowl and Ultimate Fighting Championship events earlier this year.
Recent Political Context
The appearance comes as Trump faces ongoing political and public scrutiny. His administration has introduced controversial policies on sports participation, including restricting transgender athletes, and has weighed in on team naming debates, such as urging the Washington Commanders to revert to their former name.
Public Reaction at the Venue
Fans at the stadium expressed divided opinions. Some, like Dave, a banker from New York City, voiced disapproval, citing Trump’s legal troubles. Others, including visiting fan Karen Stark from Michigan, defended his right to attend, emphasizing that sports events remain open to all.
Stay connected with Canada’s latest headlines — follow Maple News Wire on Instagram | Facebook | X | LinkedIn.