FLUSHING MEADOWS, N.Y. – The US Open men’s final, the pinnacle of American tennis, was delayed by 30 minutes today as President Donald Trump’s arrival at Arthur Ashe Stadium triggered an unprecedented level of security that gridlocked the venue and left thousands of fans waiting to get into their seats. The disruption, which unfolded just before the start of the highly anticipated match between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, injected a new, chaotic political dimension into a marquee sporting event.
Originally scheduled for a 2 p.m. start, the match was pushed back to 2:30 p.m. as the United States Tennis Association (USTA) and the Secret Service implemented a series of heightened security protocols. The measures, which included additional screenings, a heavy police presence, and sniffer dogs, created long queues at every entrance to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Even as the players took to the court, hundreds of seats in the massive 24,000-capacity stadium remained empty.
A statement from the USTA said the delay was “to ensure that fans have additional time to get to their seats,” but the reason for the enhanced security was clear. Air Force One had landed at nearby LaGuardia Airport just hours earlier, and roads around the stadium were closed to accommodate the President’s motorcade.
Upon his arrival, Trump, seated in a private suite, was met with a mix of cheers and boos from the crowd. His presence at the event marks the first time a sitting U.S. President has attended the US Open since Bill Clinton in 2000. It is also his first time back at Flushing Meadows since 2015 when, as a presidential candidate, he was met with a similarly mixed reception.
The day’s political undertones were not confined to the stadium’s interior. Outside the grounds, the activist group “Refuse Fascism” staged a protest, adding a political edge to an event typically known for its celebrity-filled, star-studded ambiance. The USTA, in an unusual move, reportedly sent a memo to broadcasters requesting that they “refrain from showcasing any disruptions or reactions in response to the President’s attendance in any capacity.”
While the on-court rivalry between Sinner and Alcaraz was the focus of the day, the 2025 US Open final will be remembered as much for the off-court drama as the match itself. The delay served as a stark reminder of the immense logistical and political challenges that accompany a presidential presence at major public events, proving that even on the world’s grandest sporting stage, politics can still steal the show.