President Trump Attends US Open Men's Final in New York City
New York City, September 7, 2025 ā The spotlight at Arthur Ashe Stadium was not only on the rising titans of tennis, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, but also on President Donald Trump, whose attendance at the US Open menās singles final drew a mixture of cheers and boos from the raucous New York crowd. His arrival delayed the start of the match by more than 45 minutes as heightened security protocols caused long queues and slow entry lines outside the stadium.
A Dramatic Arrival at Arthur Ashe Stadium
The president entered under tight security shortly before the scheduled start time of the final, dressed in a dark suit paired with his signature red tie. After making his way to a luxury suite hosted by Rolex, he greeted the audience with a wave, followed by a fist pump and military-style salute. From across the stands, reactions were split, with part of the crowd applauding enthusiastically and another section responding with vocal disapproval.
Trump was seen conversing with real estate developer and longtime associate Steve Witkoff as fans and cameras awaited the start of what was billed as a generational clash between two of the sportās brightest young stars.
Event organizers later confirmed that broadcasters had been asked not to show or comment on the publicās reactions to the president during live coverage, a decision that underscored the sensitivity of mixing high-profile political figures with major sporting events.
Rolex Invitation Raises Questions
The presidentās attendance came at the invitation of Rolex, the Swiss luxury watchmaker that has been a long-term sponsor of the US Open. The invitation drew additional attention because of the ongoing tariffs levied on Swiss imports under Trumpās administration. Despite the economic complexities of those policies, Rolex extended hospitality in what appeared to be a strategic decision to maintain close ties to influential global figures.
While there was no official statement from Rolex on the matter, industry analysts noted that luxury brands often weigh such invitations carefully, balancing brand prestige with potential criticism. The optics of the event were made more conspicuous by Trumpās history in New York, a city with a long and complex relationship with the former real estate magnate and political leader.
A Long History of Political Figures at Sporting Events
American presidents have often used athletic events as symbolic venues for connecting with the public. From Franklin Rooseveltās appearances at baseball games during World War II to Barack Obamaās attendance at NBA contests, moments in sports stadiums often reflect wider political dynamics.
Trump himself has a long history of appearances at major sporting events. He attended the Army-Navy football games during his presidency, the Daytona 500, and notable UFC fights in Las Vegas. His New York homecoming at the US Open, however, carried unique significance due to his complicated relationship with the city, which has often responded to him with polarized reactions.
Impact of Security on Fans and Players
For many of the more than 23,000 fans inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, the most immediate impact of Trumpās visit was the substantial delay before the first ball was struck. Enhanced screenings, additional patrols, and restricted access points created bottlenecks at stadium entrances. Fans reported standing in line for over an hour in the humid late-summer heat, with some missing the opening ceremonies usually held before the final.
Players Sinner and Alcaraz, both accustomed to high-pressure matches but unaccustomed to such logistical setbacks, were forced to wait in the locker room until security protocols were completed. Tournament officials assured the press that both athletes were informed in advance of the potential delay.
Athletic experts observed that extended pre-match interruptions can affect player preparation, both mentally and physically. While elite players adapt quickly, the unusual wait added another layer of tension to a final already expected to be fiercely competitive.
The Economic and Cultural Significance of the US Open
The US Open, one of tennisās four major Grand Slam tournaments, has long been a cultural and economic centerpiece for New York City. Each year, the event generates hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity, filling hotels, restaurants, and shops in Queens and Manhattan. Arthur Ashe Stadium, located within Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, becomes a focal point not just for sports but also for international tourism and corporate sponsorship.
High-profile attendees, from Hollywood celebrities to former presidents, further amplify the tournamentās global media reach. Trumpās appearance this year only heightened the buzz, adding a political and cultural twist to an event already watched by millions worldwide.
Comparing Global Security at Major Sporting Events
Security disruptions caused by world leadersā attendance are not unique to the US Open. In Europe, visits from presidents or prime ministers have often reshaped the logistics of football matches, with fans facing extensive screenings and road closures. During the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, heads of state frequently attended matches under even tighter security, sometimes leading to lockdown zones around entire stadiums.
Similarly, the Olympics have seen heavily militarized security presences, most notably in Athens in 2004 and London in 2012. New York, accustomed to heightened security since the early 2000s, has developed a system that prioritizes safety but often at the expense of convenience for average spectators. The delays at Sunday nightās final were consistent with past examples of major figures attending public events in the city, though fans expressed particular frustration over missing parts of an eagerly anticipated match.
The Match That Almost Got Overshadowed
As the crowd eventually shifted focus back to the match itself, Sinner and Alcaraz delivered a level of play worthy of a Grand Slam final. Both young champions, representing Italy and Spain respectively, are viewed as the future of menās tennis in a post-Djokovic, post-Nadal era. Their contests over the past two years have become canāt-miss events for tennis fans around the world.
Yet in the opening moments, the presence of Trump continued to linger over the atmosphere. Spectators alternated between chants in support or opposition to the president, with ushers and security personnel working tirelessly to keep order during the points. Broadcasters largely avoided direct reference to the situation, focusing instead on the on-court drama.
A City Reacts
Public reaction outside Arthur Ashe Stadium reflected New Yorkās unique relationship with Trump. Some fans described the energy as āelectricā and said his appearance was a sign of the eventās global relevance. Others criticized the delays and complained of politics intruding into what they considered a sacred sporting occasion.
Local businesses in nearby Flushing reported mixed outcomes. While the extended wait kept some patrons stuck in lines instead of in restaurants and bars, the influx of high-profile guests also generated increased demand. Taxi drivers and rideshare operators noted heavy traffic from the additional security cordons surrounding the stadium grounds.
Looking Ahead
Trumpās attendance at the US Open menās final was more than just a cameo at a sporting event. It was a reminder of how sports, politics, and global commerce often intersect in unexpected ways. For Rolex, it was an opportunity to align their brand with both tennis greatness and a high-visibility figure. For fans, it was a night where the traditional rhythm of the US Open was disrupted in exchange for an unusual dose of political theater.
As New York reflects on the spectacle, the hope for future tournaments will be a smoother balance between maintaining security for high-profile guests and ensuring that the action on the court remains the true centerpiece.
For the athletes, the moment underscored the growing scale of attention that tennis now commands, as young champions like Alcaraz and Sinner carry the torch into a new era. For the city, it was another chapter in the long, complicated, and undeniably high-profile saga of Donald Trumpās relationship with his hometown.