The event highlighted deep political divisions and logistical challenges of a presidential visit. (Image: OutKick)
President Donald Trump’s return to the US Open after a decade was anything but a quiet afternoon of tennis. His appearance at the men's final on Sunday, September 7, 2025, became the main event of the day, causing the crowd to boo loudly, lengthy security delays that caused the competition to be delayed, and a directive to broadcasters to not draw attention to the disturbance.
The incident at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens showcased the deeply polarized political climate, even within the apolitical setting of a major sporting event.
President Trump arrived at the stadium around 1:45 p.m. EDT to watch the highly anticipated final between Italy’s Jannik Sinner and Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz. Seated in a Rolex-sponsored suite, the President waved and fist-pumped to the crowd.
His presence was met with an immediate and loud reaction. While there were scattered cheers, videos from the event and media reports confirm that the response was overwhelmingly negative, with "audible boos and jeers that drowned out scattered cheers."
The crowd's negative response was particularly pronounced during a key moment before the match. Videos posted on social media platform X showed the stadium erupting in jeers when President Trump appeared on the jumbotron during the playing of the national anthem.
This moment was captured despite efforts to minimize its broadcast visibility. The reaction was so loud that it was picked up by television microphones. Variety reported that ABC’s national broadcast carried the sound of the boos. This occurred despite a reported memo from the United States Tennis Association (USTA) to networks, urging them not to spotlight disruptions linked to Trump’s attendance in their coverage.
The sitting president's visit triggered massive and extensive security protocols. These protocols significantly slowed the entry process for thousands of spectators trying to get through security checkpoints.
The match, originally scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m. EDT, was delayed by half an hour. The USTA defended the delay, stating it was necessary “to ensure fans had additional time to get to their seats.” However, the 24,000-seat stadium was still only two-thirds full when play finally began at 2:48 p.m.
Frustration was palpable among ticket holders, many of whom took to social media to complain. Numerous fans cited hour-long waits to clear security checkpoints, missing the beginning of the marquee match they had paid to see.
The on-court action was surpassed by the logistical disturbance as a key talking point.
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President Trump was not alone in the suite. Senior administrative officials and members of his family were in his entourage, including:
The invitation to Trump was extended by the watchmaker Rolex. This detail carries a significant irony, as the Trump administration has recently placed a 39% tariff on Swiss luxury goods, a category in which Rolex is a flagship brand.
