The 2025 U.S. Open men’s final on September 7 at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York City was billed as a clash of tennis titans, with Carlos Alcaraz taking on Jannik Sinner. But President Donald Trump’s surprise appearance stole the spotlight, igniting a firestorm of cheers and boos from the crowd that laid bare America’s deep political divide.

A Crowd Divided

When President Trump arrived at 1:45 p.m. in his hometown of Queens, the 24,000-seat stadium erupted in a polarized uproar. Videos captured the moment as he waved from a luxury suite alongside Rolex CEO Jean-Frederic Dufour, joined by Jared Kushner, granddaughter Arabella, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and others. The jumbotron flashing Trump’s face during the national anthem amplified the crowd’s split reaction—boos clashing with cheers, a vivid snapshot of the nation’s fractured sentiment.

The United States Tennis Association (USTA) tried to keep the focus on tennis, reportedly urging broadcasters like ESPN and ABC to avoid airing crowd reactions to Trump’s presence, according to a memo leaked to tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg. But the crowd’s response was impossible to ignore, with boos reportedly swelling when Trump reappeared on screen later in the match.

Security Snarls Delay the Action

Trump’s visit brought beefed-up security that delayed the match by 30 minutes, pushing the start from 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. ET. The USTA attributed the delay to ensuring fans could reach their seats, but long security lines left thousands stranded outside, leaving the stadium only about two-thirds full when play began. Frustrated fans took to X, with one post venting, “This delay is ridiculous—Trump’s visit is ruining the vibe.”

As the first sitting president to attend the U.S. Open since Bill Clinton in 2000, Trump’s presence carried weight. His 2015 appearance as a candidate during a Venus-Serena Williams match also drew boos, but this time, the stakes—and the reactions—felt even bigger.

Trump Connects with Fans

Unfazed by the mixed reception, Trump leaned into the moment, signing hats for supporters and waving to the crowd. Some right-wing voices and a White House X account claimed he received a “massive standing ovation,” dismissing boos as “fake news” from detractors. But journalists on the ground, including Jeff Mason and CNN’s Brian Stelter, confirmed the crowd’s response was far from one-sided, with boos often drowning out cheers.

Social media also buzzed about a bruise on Trump’s hand, slathered with mismatched makeup, which sparked online mockery. Yet, for Trump, the controversy seemed secondary to engaging his base in the stands.

Tennis Takes a Backseat

The match itself was a thriller, with Carlos Alcaraz outlasting Jannik Sinner to claim his sixth Grand Slam and second U.S. Open title. The 22-year-old Spaniard, fresh off a French Open win earlier in 2025, called it a “privilege” to have a president in attendance, though he stressed his focus remained on the court. The Alcaraz-Sinner rivalry, now spanning three straight Grand Slam finals, was a masterclass in tennis—but Trump’s presence turned it into a sideshow.

Celebrities like Anna Wintour, Ben Stiller, Danny DeVito, Spike Lee, Steph Curry, and Pep Guardiola added glitz to the event, but it was Trump who dominated the narrative. The USTA’s efforts to minimize disruptions couldn’t contain the political undercurrent that rippled through the stadium.

A Mirror to America

Trump’s U.S. Open appearance reflects the nation’s ongoing polarization. With a 40% approval rating reported in recent polls, his support remains strong among Republicans but divisive overall. His history of wading into sports—from executive orders on transgender athletes to pushing for the Washington Commanders to revert to their old name—has long stirred debate, and this event was no different.

For tennis fans, the day was a stark reminder that even a world-class sporting event can double as a political stage. As Alcaraz hoisted his trophy, the cheers and boos for Trump echoed in the background, capturing a moment where sports and politics collided head-on.

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