Trump Arrives at U.S. Open Final, Security Delays Match Start

President Donald Trump made a notable entrance at the U.S. Open final on August 27, 2023, eliciting a mixed response of cheers and boos from the crowd. His arrival coincided with a delay in the match start time, originally scheduled for 2 p.m. ET (1800 GMT), due to enhanced security measures implemented by event organizers.

As Trump stepped out of a box seat to wave to the audience at Arthur Ashe Stadium, the stands were notably sparse. An ABC television broadcast captured the moment but did not include the crowd’s reactions, as the United States Tennis Association (USTA) had requested broadcasters to minimize coverage of off-court disturbances. A spokesperson for the USTA confirmed to Reuters that the association regularly asks media to avoid showcasing such disruptions.

The match, featuring rivals Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, was delayed by 30 minutes to allow fans additional time to navigate through security checks. U.S. Open organizers stated, “As a result of the security measures in place, and to ensure that fans have additional time to get to their seats, we have pushed the start time of today’s match to 2:30 p.m. ET.”

Trump, known for his passion for sports, has consistently expressed his opinions on various athletic matters, reflecting his broader approach to influence societal institutions. His administration sparked controversy in February 2017 when he signed an executive order aimed at banning transgender women and girls from participating in female sports, a move that ignited significant debate over fairness and rights.

Recently, Trump pressured the Washington Commanders football team to revert to its former name, the Redskins, which has been criticized as a derogatory term for Native Americans. As of late July and mid-August, his approval rating rested at approximately 40%, marking the lowest point of his presidency, according to polls conducted by Reuters and Ipsos. This support base is predominantly Republican, raising questions about his reception in New York, a city with strong Democratic leanings.

Outside Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, security personnel, including Secret Service agents, conducted thorough checks of bags and ushered attendees through metal detectors prior to the championship match. Fans expressed a range of opinions regarding Trump’s attendance. A New York City banker, who chose to remain anonymous, shared his discontent, stating, “I couldn’t care less if he comes or not. Why not particularly well? I’m not a fan in the least bit. Who is? He’s a convicted felon.”

Conversely, some attendees were indifferent to his presence. “He can go wherever he wants and attend a match if he wants to,” remarked Karen Stark, a retired tennis enthusiast who traveled from Michigan for the final.

Trump has a history of attending major sporting events since taking office in January 2017, including the Super Bowl and various Ultimate Fighting Championship matches, where he has similarly received mixed reactions from spectators. His involvement in the sports world continues to draw attention, reflecting the intersection of politics and public life in contemporary America.