#ustennis

The 2025 US Open men's final drew more than tennis fans—it drew the sitting U.S. president. Donald Trump made his first return to the tournament since 2015, marking the first appearance by a sitting president in 25 years. With heightened security in place around Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens—New York being a deeply Democratic stronghold—fans queued through rigorous checks, and the match start was delayed by 30 minutes to accommodate safety protocols.

Broadcasts Without Cheers or Boos

The U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) issued a sensitive request: broadcasters were asked to censor any crowd reactions to Trump’s arrival—intended or spontaneous—to avoid creating distractions on air. Inside the stadium, reactions varied widely. Some fans greeted Trump with cheers, while others booed—yet none of it made the broadcast cut.

Waiting in the Rain: Fan Frustration Grows

While VIPs settled into their seats, long lines snaked outside. Many fans waited over an hour—some still outside when the match finally began—prompting frustration and vocal blame aimed squarely at the president’s appearance as the root cause. One irate attendee dismissed Trump’s actions as “selfish,” expressing regret over the time and money tied to the shutdown.

Trump Stays Unfazed

Once inside the venue and shown on camera, Trump waved and appeared unfazed by the mixed reception. He later described the crowd as “really nice” and enthused about watching top-level tennis—even as New York’s divided reaction mirrored national sentiment.

Beyond Tennis: The Sport-Politics Intersection

Trump’s presence underscored his ongoing relationship with sports as a platform. His attendance mirrored past high-profile appearances—from the Super Bowl to UFC matches—where he never fails to ignite polarized responses. However, the U.S. Open setting—rain-soaked, political, and fiercely public—raised the stakes. His return to the tournament spotlighted how athletics has become another arena for public performance and controversy.