Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
The security screenings meant that several fans was not inside the stadium for the first serve of the final.
The security screenings meant that several fans was not inside the stadium for the first serve of the final.
What is happening?
US President Donald Trump faced a mixed reception at the US Open men’s final, where boos rang out from the crowd as he appeared inside Arthur Ashe Stadium.
His surprise visit delayed the match start time and prompted enhanced security measures that affected fans and staff alike.
Delays triggered by security for Trump
The final between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz was delayed by 30 minutes due to strict new security checks.
Trump’s arrival led to airport-style screenings at the entrance of Arthur Ashe Stadium, causing long queues and frustration for ticket holders.
Trump appears in Rolex Suite to mixed response
Before the players took the court, Trump emerged in the Rolex suite, waving to a mostly-empty stadium.
His presence triggered a mix of boos and cheers from the few who had already entered.
Heavy US-tariffs on Switzerland
Trump wasn’t officially invited by tournament organizers. Instead, he attended at the invitation of luxury watchmaker Rolex.
Ironically, his visit came just weeks after imposing 39% tariffs on Swiss imports, including luxury timepieces.
National anthem moment draws more boos
During the pre-match ceremony and national anthem, Trump was shown on the stadium’s big screen.
This led to another wave of audible boos from the audience, even as some supporters cheered.
Fans caught off guard by heavy security
Many spectators were surprised by the last-minute implementation of airport-style screening.
Laura Robson, reporting for Sky Sports, noted confusion and delays, saying, “the fans were probably not expecting to go through airport security on Ashe.”
Match start pushed back 30 minutes
The US Open officially postponed the start time of the final by 30 minutes to allow fans more time to enter.
“We have pushed the start time… to 2:30 pm ET,” read a statement on X (formerly Twitter), citing security-related delays.
Thousands still outside at first serve
Despite the delay, thousands of fans were still queuing when the match began.
The late security rollout, added just after the women’s final the night before, caught many off guard and left empty seats during the opening set.
USTA tried to limit Trump coverage
An internal USTA (United States Tennis Association) email, obtained by Bounces, revealed a directive asking broadcasters not to highlight any audience reactions to Trump.
“Refrain from showcasing any disruptions or reactions… in any capacity,” it read, aiming to minimize controversy.
Trump booed again after first set
As Trump was shown once more on the big screen after the first set, another round of boos erupted.
Sky Sports’ Laura Robson commented, “It was the noisiest I’ve heard this crowd so far,” noting the loud and divided response from attendees.
Flashback to 2015
The attendance of Donald Trump, and the subsequent reaction to the president’s appearane, was like a deja vu, as he also attended the US Open men’s final in 2015.
Back then, he was faced with loud boos, when he appeared at Arther Ashe Stadium – three months after he announced his first campaign for The White House.
