The US Open men’s final faced an unexpected delay as heightened security measures for former President Donald Trump’s attendance left thousands of seats empty at the start of the match. The confusion and prolonged entry times at the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York City sparked frustration among fans eager to witness the highly anticipated clash between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
Fans endured long queues, with some waiting over an hour outside the world’s largest tennis venue, which can accommodate nearly 24,000 spectators. The US Secret Service, alongside federal security officers, conducted thorough bag checks and ushered attendees through metal detectors. Despite the rigorous checks, the match commenced shortly before 3 PM local time, with many fans still outside.
Inside the stadium, Trump received a mixed reception of cheers and boos when his image appeared on the screens. Kevin, a Brooklyn resident working in private equity, expressed his frustration, stating he waited over an hour and attributed the delay to Trump. “One hundred per cent him. Very selfish,” he remarked, criticizing the former president’s decision to attend the event.
Security Measures and Fan Reactions
A Secret Service spokesperson acknowledged the inconveniences, stating, “We recognize that enhanced security for the President’s visit to the US Open may have contributed to delays for attendees. We sincerely thank every fan for their patience and understanding.” Such security protocols are customary for any public event attended by a sitting or former president, irrespective of political affiliation.
The match, initially slated for a 2 PM start, was postponed by 30 minutes due to these security checks, as confirmed by US Open organizers. The United States Tennis Association (USTA), responsible for the event, did not immediately comment on the delays. However, the stadium was nearly full about an hour into the match as Alcaraz and Sinner engaged in a fierce contest.
Trump’s Presence and Public Perception
Trump, a known sports enthusiast, often shares his views on sports, echoing his broader influence on various societal institutions. His presence at the US Open reignited discussions about his controversial stances, such as his push to restrict transgender women in women’s sports and his call for the Washington Commanders to revert to their former name, deemed offensive by many.
Trump’s approval rating stood at 40% in late July and mid-August, according to Reuters/Ipsos polls, marking the lowest of his presidency.
Maribeth Lodes, a New York City resident, expressed her discontent after waiting over an hour and a half. “It’s ridiculous. I think it’s totally unreasonable that they do this,” she said, highlighting the financial and emotional investment fans make to attend such events. Conversely, some attendees, like Karen Stark from Michigan, defended Trump’s right to attend, stating, “He can go wherever he wants and attend a match if he wants to.”
Broader Implications and Historical Context
Resale tickets for the event ranged from hundreds to over $20,000, illustrating the high stakes and expectations surrounding the US Open final. Trump’s attendance at sports events has been a recurring theme, with previous appearances at the Super Bowl and Ultimate Fighting Championship bouts eliciting similar reactions.
Television coverage of the event by ABC showed Trump waving to the crowd from a box seat, though the audio of the crowd’s reaction was omitted. ESPN’s feed, however, captured the audible mix of cheers and boos. Reports over the weekend suggested that the USTA had requested broadcasters to avoid highlighting off-court disruptions related to Trump’s presence.
As the US Open progresses, the intersection of sports, politics, and public perception continues to shape the narrative, reflecting broader societal dynamics. The event underscores the challenges of balancing security, fan experience, and the influence of high-profile figures in public events.
