US President Donald Trump attended the US Open Men’s Final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, where Alcaraz took the trophy home. Rewinding back a bit, when Trump entered the Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York City to watch the match, the audience’s reaction was largely negative. Many people booed loudly to express their disapproval, while only a few clapped to show support. This marked the second time that Trump faced heckling at the event.
Trump just smirked at angry fans
The boos continued during the national anthem and were so loud that they could be heard clearly on the live broadcast. As a member of West Point performed The Star-Spangled Banner, Trump saluted in respect. The stadium monitors displayed this moment, which led to another wave of boos from the crowd. Trump, unbothered by the negative reaction, responded with a smirk.
During a break in the match, Trump was shown on the arena screen once more, and angry tennis fans booed him again. The crowd’s disapproval persisted until the camera cut away from the scene.
Don’t show negative reactions in response to Trump’s attendance
According to Bounces by Ben Rothenberg, the US Tennis Association (USTA) requested that broadcasters avoid showing the fans’ negative reactions to Trump.
This was said in an internal email, which was obtained by the outlet.
“With respect to Broadcast Coverage, the President will be shown on the World Feed and the Ashe Court Feed during the opening anthem ceremony. We ask all broadcasters to refrain from showcasing any disruptions or reactions in response to the President’s attendance in any capacity, including ENG [Electronic News Gathering] coverage,” it read.
It further stated, “We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.”
The outlet further reported that the email included attachments, such as the US Open’s social media policy and prepared talking points about Trump’s appearance.
“President Trump is planning to watch the US Open Men’s Singles Final from a suite as a sponsor guest,” read one talking point. The sponsor in question here is the Swiss luxury watchmaker, Rolex, as further reported by Bounces.
RollingStone reported that the match was delayed by thirty minutes because of security measures in place due to Trump’s appearance.
The Secret Service, per a report by The Guardian, noted that protecting the Trump “required a comprehensive effort” that “may have contributed to delays for attendees”.
Furthermore, the tournament’s trophy was moved to the Rolex suite, where Trump was watching the match, as reported by Rothenberg.
The trophy is “inside the Rolex suite, which is where Trump is, but surely not where the trophy has ever belonged before during a final,” Rothenberg wrote on Bluesky. This is particularly notable given Trump’s known affinity for trophies; his office famously displays a gold-adorned FIFA Club World Cup trophy.
‘The Fall of the Trump Fascist Regime’
The Guardian also reported on the protests surrounding his visit. The outlet reported that Emma Kaplan from Brooklyn distributed flyers outside the stadium before the match. “The Fall of the Trump Fascist Regime,” the text on the flyers read.
Others joined her too, with one placard reading, “Game, set, match. Nov 5, flood DC. Trump must go!” “The whole Trump fascist regime,” read another, The Guardian reported.
Earlier, in 2015, he attended the US Open tournament when Serena and Venus Williams competed and was similarly heckled by the crowd. At that time, he was running for president of the United States.