NEW YORK — The 2024 US Open men's final between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz was postponed to Monday due to severe weather, but the real storm inside Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sunday evening was the mixed, and at times raucous, reception for former President Donald Trump, who arrived to take in the marquee tennis match.
As Trump, accompanied by a heavy security detail, was escorted to his courtside seat in the front row, a chorus of boos and jeers erupted from large sections of the capacity crowd, quickly met by counter-cheers and applause from other spectators. The moment created a palpable and unexpected political charge to the atmosphere, temporarily overshadowing the anticipation for the highly awaited clash between the two young tennis titans.
A Divisive Arrival at a Sporting Event
The appearance of the presumptive Republican presidential nominee at one of the year's biggest sporting events was not officially announced beforehand, adding to the surprise of his arrival. Videos and photos from inside the stadium quickly went viral on social media, capturing the starkly divided reaction. Some fans were seen standing and applauding, giving thumbs-up, while others turned their backs, loudly booing, and in one widely circulated clip, a fan was heard yelling, "Lock him up!" — a refrain famously used against Trump at his political rallies for his opponent, Hillary Clinton.
This is not Trump's first foray into the world of high-profile tennis. He is a longtime friend of former women's world No. 1 Chris Evert and has attended the tournament before. However, his presence this year, deep into a contentious election cycle, carried significantly more weight and sparked immediate commentary from pundits and fans alike on the appropriateness of mixing polarizing politics with premier athletics.
The Match Postponement and Fan Reaction
The political theater was ultimately cut short by the weather. Shortly after Trump's arrival and the ensuing fan reaction, tournament officials were forced to announce a delay due to approaching thunderstorms and heavy rain. The final was officially postponed until Monday at 4:00 p.m. ET, leaving thousands of fans disappointed but with an unforgettable story to tell. The disruption meant Trump did not get to see any live tennis during his visit.
The U.S. Tennis Association (USTA), which runs the US Open, issued a standard statement on the postponement, focusing solely on the weather and the new schedule. The organization did not comment on Trump's presence or the crowd's reaction, maintaining a strict focus on the sporting event itself.
Contrasting Receptions in Recent Months
Trump's reception at the US Open stands in contrast to the one he received at other major sporting events recently. At a UFC fight in New Jersey, he was met with a roaring ovation. Similarly, his appearance at the NCAA wrestling championships earlier this year was also largely positive. The mixed reaction in New York highlights the deep political divisions within the country and perhaps the differing demographics of the audiences at various sporting events.
Tennis, as a global sport with a traditionally international and diverse fanbase in a city like New York, presented a different crowd dynamic. The reaction underscored several key points about his current public perception:
- Polarizing Figure: The immediate and vocal split in the crowd is a microcosm of the national electorate.
- Sporting Sanctuary: The incident reignited the debate over whether major sporting events should remain a politics-free zone.
- Campaign Strategy: Trump's attendance is seen by analysts as part of a broader effort to normalize his presence and appeal to a wider array of voters beyond his core base.
Focus Returns to Sinner and Alcaraz
With the final now set for Monday, the tennis world is eager to refocus on what promises to be a legendary rivalry in the making. The match pits Italian Jannik Sinner, the new World No. 1, against Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz, the reigning Wimbledon champion. Their head-to-head record is tied at 5-5, and their matches are consistently hailed as modern classics, full of power, speed, and incredible shot-making.
The postponement adds another layer of intrigue. Both players must now manage their nerves and preparation for an additional 20 hours. The scheduling also means the winner will have a very short turnaround before leading their country in the Davis Cup group stage later this week. Alcaraz summarized the unique challenge, stating in his press conference, "It's not ideal, but it's the same for both of us. We will be ready."
A Final Overshadowed, But Not Forgotten
While the Sinner-Alcaraz final is expected to be a historic match on its own merits, the events of Sunday evening will undoubtedly be a part of its story. The image of a former president being booed and cheered in equal measure at a national sporting event is a powerful and enduring one, a snapshot of the current American cultural and political moment.
Ultimately, when the players take the court on Monday, the focus will rightly return to the tennis. The final represents a passing of the torch to a new generation, free from the long shadow of the "Big Three." Yet, for those in attendance on Sunday, the memory of a divided crowd's reaction to a surprise guest will remain as memorable as the winner's triumphant roar.