Tennis fans were left fuming as President Donald Trump’s attendance at the 2025 US Open men’s final triggered massive security delays, leaving thousands stuck outside Arthur Ashe Stadium. The highly anticipated showdown between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, a clash of tennis titans, was overshadowed by long lines and empty seats, testing the patience of fans who paid top dollar to witness history.
A High-Profile Guest Disrupts the Day
On September 7, 2025, President Trump arrived at Flushing Meadows to watch the US Open men’s final, joined by cabinet members, family, and White House staff in a Rolex-sponsored suite. His presence, the first by a sitting president at the tournament since Bill Clinton in 2000, required stringent security measures, including Secret Service bag checks and metal detectors at both the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center entrance and Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The result? A 30-minute delay to the match’s 2:00 p.m. EDT start, with play kicking off closer to 2:30 p.m. Thousands of fans, some waiting over an hour, chanted “Let us in!” as Alcaraz took the first set 6-2. By 45 minutes into the match, the 24,000-seat stadium was still half-empty, a stark contrast to its usual packed energy.
Fans Voice Frustration, Demand Refunds
The delays sparked outrage among attendees, many of whom paid $700 or more for tickets. “Imagine spending thousands and missing the first set because of security,” posted X user @jamesgraysport. Another fan, @DjsokeSpeaking, demanded refunds, calling Trump’s visit a “photo op” that robbed ticket holders of the full experience.
Leah Gomberg, a 57-year-old fan, told NBC News she endured a four-hour ordeal, including traffic and a 1-hour-20-minute security line with 30 TSA-level scanners—an unusual setup for the US Open. “Everybody is pissed off,” she said, noting the boos that greeted Trump’s appearance on stadium screens.
Mixed Reception for Trump’s Appearance
When shown on the jumbotron, Trump received a polarized reaction: pockets of cheers drowned out by sustained boos, reflecting New York’s complex relationship with the president. Reports indicate the USTA even asked broadcasters to avoid highlighting crowd reactions, a move that drew criticism for stifling free expression. X user @firsttohearit shared a clip of 30 seconds of booing, noting, “This is the clip he didn’t want you to see.”
The Secret Service acknowledged the disruptions, stating, “We recognize that enhanced security for the President’s visit may have contributed to delays. We sincerely thank every fan for their patience.” USTA spokesman Brendan McIntyre said emails and app notifications were sent to ticket holders urging early arrival, but many fans, like Diana Diaz from Florida, reported no prior warning.
Impact on U.S. Fans and the Sports Landscape
For American tennis fans, the delays were a bitter pill. The Alcaraz-Sinner final—a historic third Grand Slam final matchup in 2025—was a must-see event, with Alcaraz reclaiming the world No. 1 ranking in a thrilling victory. Missing key moments due to security left fans feeling cheated, with some calling for better planning at high-profile events.
Economically, the US Open generates $2.8 billion annually for New York, and disruptions risk denting its reputation as a fan-friendly spectacle. Politically, Trump’s appearance reignited debates about public figures at sporting events, with critics arguing it politicized a neutral space. Socially, it highlighted tensions in a divided U.S., where even a tennis match becomes a stage for polarized reactions.
Alcaraz-Sinner Showdown Overshadowed but Unforgettable
Despite the chaos, the match delivered. Alcaraz’s 6-2 first-set dominance set the tone, though Sinner battled back to level the second set. By the time most fans reached their seats, the stadium roared, with Sinner noting the “loud” atmosphere despite early empty seats. Alcaraz ultimately won, cementing his status as a tennis legend.
Looking Ahead: Lessons for Future Events
The US Open debacle underscores the need for better coordination when high-security figures attend major events. Organizers must improve communication—clearer notifications and earlier gate openings could have eased the bottleneck. For U.S. fans, the incident is a reminder that even premier sporting events aren’t immune to logistical hiccups.
As the USTA and Secret Service review their protocols, the focus shifts to balancing security with fan experience. With Trump likely to attend more high-profile events, from UFC fights to the Super Bowl, organizers nationwide face pressure to get it right. For now, Alcaraz’s triumph shines, but the sting of delays lingers for fans who deserved better.
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