The men’s final of the US Open on Sunday didn’t start on time, and the reason was Donald Trump. Extra security tied to the president’s visit delayed the start of play by nearly half an hour, leaving thousands of fans still waiting in snaking lines outside Arthur Ashe Stadium even after the first ball was struck, the Associated Press reported.
The US Secret Service later admitted its 'comprehensive effort' to secure Trump 'may have contributed to delays' but thanked attendees for their patience. Upper rows remained patchy and empty for close to an hour into the match.
Boos, cheers, and a smirk on the big screen
Trump, wearing a navy suit and his trademark red tie, first appeared briefly about 45 minutes before play began. The stadium was still half-empty, but the boos were noticeable, mixed with pockets of cheers. He re-emerged for the National Anthem, stood in salute, and even smirked at one point, prompting louder jeers.
Later, after the first set ended, Trump raised his fist as the big screens flashed his image again. The response from the crowd was clear: more boos than cheers, according to Associated Press.
Rolex guest, tariff enforcer
Trump attended as a guest of Rolex, even though his administration slapped a 39 percent tariff on Swiss imports, far higher than levies on European Union and UK goods. The White House declined to comment on the optics of the president accepting the invite.
The USTA tried to downplay the friction, asking broadcasters not to highlight off-court 'disruptions.' But viewers watching ABC’s national telecast still saw Trump’s moments on screen.
Trump swaps rallies for sports arenas
Since beginning his second term in January, Trump has shifted his domestic appearances from political rallies to major sporting events. He’s been spotted at the Super Bowl, Daytona 500, UFC fights, NCAA wrestling, and even the FIFA Club World Cup final. Reactions have been split, some crowds cheer, others boo—but the pattern is unmistakable: Trump prefers stadiums to stump speeches.
A crowd cautious about optics
Interestingly, there were no large street protests outside the stadium. But inside, fans were careful not to be mistaken for Trump supporters. One 58-year-old fan from Italy, now living in Boston, said she deliberately chose a fuchsia US Open cap over the classic red version so it wouldn’t resemble a MAGA hat.
Celebrities including Pink, Bruce Springsteen, and Shonda Rhimes were also in the stands, many of them vocal backers of Trump’s political rivals.
Back to a familiar stage after years away
Trump was once a US Open regular, with his own family suite right beside the TV commentary box. That ended in 2017, during his first year as president. He hadn’t returned since 2015, when he was loudly booed at a quarterfinal shortly after launching his first campaign.
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