Donald Trump was met with a mix of boos and cheers as he attended the US Open men’s singles final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The 79-year-old President had not appeared at the tournament for a decade, having last attended in 2015 when he received a frosty reception during a quarter-final.
His return was confirmed only hours before Sunday’s final, a rematch of this summer’s Wimbledon showpiece between Alcaraz and Sinner.
Trump’s presence required significant security arrangements, delaying the scheduled start by almost an hour.
Donald Trump was met with a mix of boos and cheers as he attended the US Open men’s singles final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner at Arthur Ashe Stadium
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Thousands of spectators were left queueing outside the 23,000-seater stadium as checks were carried out, with long lines circling the grounds of Flushing Meadows.
Ahead of the event, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) issued guidance to broadcasters including Sky Sports and ESPN.
In an email, organisers instructed: “Refrain from showcasing any disruptions or reactions in response to the President’s attendance in any capacity.”
Despite those instructions, Trump’s arrival drew a clear reaction.
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Loud jeers echoed across the stadium as he emerged from his private box to greet supporters, though pockets of applause were also audible.
The mixed reception was reminiscent of his appearance at the FIFA Club World Cup final in July, when he was booed after joining Chelsea’s players on the podium following their win over Paris Saint-Germain.
Trump has made a point of attending major sporting events during his presidency.
Earlier this year he was in New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX, where the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs.
Donald Trump briefly appeared from his suite at Arthur Ashe Stadium ahead of tonight’s US Open action.
— BPI News (@BPINewsOrg) September 7, 2025
The US President was met with some boos alongside cheers and stares from fans in the 25,000-seat venue. #USOpen #Trump pic.twitter.com/TQdOyz1SN0
His presence on Sunday underlined his enduring enthusiasm for high-profile fixtures, even if reactions remain divided.
On court, players sought to remain focused on the occasion.
Alcaraz, who reached the final by defeating Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals, said he considered it a privilege to compete in front of the U.S. President.
“I think that it is a privilege for the tournaments having the president from every country just to support the tournament, to support tennis, and to support the match,” the Spaniard said.
“For me, playing in front of him… I will try not to think about it.
"I don’t want myself to be nervous because of it, but I think attending the tennis match, it’s great for tennis to have the president at the final.
"But on Sunday, my job is to play my best tennis and not let anything else get in the way.”
The final attracted a star-studded audience.
Donald Trump appeared in good spirits as he attended the US Open final on Sunday
|GETTY
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, actors Danny DeVito and Ben Stiller, and singer-turned-actress Lindsay Lohan were among those spotted in the stands as the world’s top two players prepared to battle for the trophy.
Who comes out on top remains to be seen.