Trump Attends US Open Men's Final, Drawing Mixed Crowd Reactions

Former President Donald Trump attended the US Open men’s final on Sunday, marking his first appearance at the tournament in more than a decade. His presence at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens drew opposing reactions from fans, with a mixture of cheers and boos filling the air during a gripping championship match between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.

Delayed Start Amid Tight Security

Trump arrived at the stadium around 1:45 p.m., roughly 15 minutes before the match’s originally scheduled 2 p.m. start. Heightened security measures triggered by his attendance caused delays for fans, leaving thousands waiting in long lines under the humid late-summer sun. Multiple layers of screenings, including metal detectors and hand searches, slowed entry, with some fans stuck in queues as the match’s opening ceremony was underway.

The start time was pushed back by nearly 50 minutes, giving officials additional time to seat spectators. When the first ball was finally struck at 2:48 p.m., large sections of Arthur Ashe Stadium remained partially empty in sharp contrast to the usually punctual and orderly atmosphere that characterizes the tournament.

Frustration was evident among attendees. Dino Romeo, 27, visiting from California, described the situation bluntly: “These lines are outrageous.” Others framed the disruption as an inevitable consequence of hosting a sitting or former president at such a high-profile sporting event. While some spectators voiced annoyance, others welcomed Trump’s presence as a memorable moment in an already prestigious global competition.

Polarized Crowd Response

The atmosphere inside the stadium reflected America’s broader political divide. When Trump appeared on the Jumbotron during the national anthem, spectators split into competing choruses of cheers and boos. Between changeovers, the noise levels again rose whenever cameras panned toward his suite.

One fan, visibly upset, declared, “I don’t support him. I don’t think he’s qualified to be in there. I think he screwed everything up. I don’t think Kamala Harris could have done a better job. We are just stuck.” In contrast, another attendee, John, 36, expressed enthusiasm: “I love it — I think it’s great. It’s the US Open, and he’s the US president. I’m all about it.”

This blend of applause and criticism speaks to a long history of divisive presidential appearances at major public events. From Richard Nixon attending the Super Bowl to George W. Bush appearing at the 2001 World Series, presidents have often faced crowds unwilling to set aside politics, even in moments of celebration or sport.

High-Profile Suite Guests

Trump watched the final from a luxury suite, accompanied by senior members of his current team and close allies. Attorney General Pam Bondi, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and Mideast Envoy Steve Witkoff were visible alongside him. Family presence included his son-in-law Jared Kushner, granddaughter Arabella, and longtime aide Margo Martin.

Also spotted in the suite was Rolex CEO Jean-Frederic Dufour, hinting at Trump’s continued connections with global business leaders. The gathering underscored how public appearances at cultural events often serve as both spectacle and subtle networking opportunities for political figures and their circles.

Celebrity Sightings in the Stands

The US Open men’s final annually offers one of tennis’s most star-studded audiences, blending New York City’s entertainment world with international figures. Nearby to Trump’s suite, celebrities such as Danny DeVito, Sting, Shaggy, and Bruce Springsteen took in the match. Each received notable public recognition, with Springsteen’s song “Dancing in the Dark” drawing cheers from the stands.

Organizers had quietly cautioned broadcasters against emphasizing Trump’s appearance or the crowd’s reactions, citing a longstanding policy designed to minimize off-court distractions. The United States Tennis Association emphasized its goal of keeping the spotlight on the athletes, who battled for one of the sport’s most coveted trophies.

Match Interrupted by Politics

Despite heightened attention around Trump, the tennis itself delivered the drama expected of a Grand Slam final. Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning star of the next tennis generation, prevailed over Jannik Sinner in four sets, adding another milestone to his rapidly growing career. The shadow of politics, however, remained present throughout, with fans intermittently directing their energy toward Trump’s suite instead of the court.

When the match concluded, Trump briefly stole the spotlight once again, tossing his signature red campaign hats into the crowd before remaining for the trophy presentation. While unusual within the context of sports events, the moment underscored his long-standing flair for blending entertainment and politics.

Historical Context of Presidential Sports Appearances

American presidents have long recognized sporting events as platforms for visibility and symbolism. Theodore Roosevelt famously championed college football reform in the early 1900s; Dwight Eisenhower threw ceremonial pitches in Major League Baseball; and Barack Obama drews when he attended an NBA Finals game during his presidency. Appearances at high-profile tournaments such as the US Open signal both support for American sports and a chance to engage with a large, diverse audience.

Yet the atmosphere also reflects the polarization of the modern era. Whereas earlier leaders tended to receive more neutral acknowledgment, presidents and former presidents of recent decades have seen their personal favorability ratings play out loudly in arenas. Trump’s visit to Arthur Ashe Stadium was a continuation of that trend, vividly illustrating how few spaces in American public life are untouched by political identity.

Impact on Fans and Tournament Operations

While many viewed Trump’s presence as an exciting twist, others saw it as an inconvenience. The nearly hour-long delay had ripple effects on broadcasters, hospitality staff, and tournament operations, forcing adjustments to an event already scheduled tightly within the late-summer New York heat. Vendors stationed along the concourse reported a mixed business impact: some stalls saw brisker pre-match business due to longer wait times, while others noted that fans avoided concessions altogether in hopes of navigating security faster.

The added security presence also raised logistical costs. Law enforcement, private security, and Secret Service personnel deployed extensive resources, including sniffer dogs and crowd-control barricades. Local officials acknowledged the strain on entryways but emphasized the importance of guaranteeing safety for athletes, attendees, and the high-profile guest.

Regional Comparisons

Trump’s US Open appearance aligns with a broader trend of presidents and former presidents making appearances in high-profile New York sporting events. In contrast, similar visits to other Grand Slam tournaments abroad—such as Wimbledon in London or Roland Garros in Paris—tend to draw less political turbulence. European leaders occasionally attend, but without the same levels of polarization or disruption.

This difference reflects the role of politics in American public life, where public figures remain active in cultural spaces even outside their official terms. Sporting arenas, with their national television broadcasts and diverse audiences, often amplify these interactions into-grabbing moments.

A Night Where Sport and Politics Collided

By the time Carlos Alcaraz lifted the trophy, the men’s final had transformed into more than a championship match. It became a lens through which divisions, frustrations, and loyalties in American society were expressed in real time. For some, Trump’s presence elevated the event into a historic spectacle; for others, it distracted from the focus on two of the brightest stars in global tennis.

What remains undeniable is that the 2025 US Open men’s final will be remembered not only for Alcaraz’s victory on the court but also for the atmosphere that surrounded it—a reminder that in the United States, even the purest stages of sport exist in harmony, and sometimes in conflict, with politics.