US Open Broadcasters Urged to Censor During Donald Trump’s Appearance

The US Open finals are here, and the men’s final is ready to bring fire. Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz meet for their fifth final on tour in New York, and the anticipation is through the roof. With stakes this high, big names are certain in the crowd. This year, the President of the United States, Donald Trump, will be watching. But before the showdown on Sunday, the tournament issued a few rules for broadcasters.

The president will take his seat in the Swiss luxury watchmaker’s box for the men’s final, according to reports. His spot is notable, as Trump had once imposed heavy tariffs on the European nation. Daniel Roberts reported on X that, “USTA spox to @FOS on email @BenRothenberg reported USTA sent broadcasters asking them not to show ‘disruptions or reactions in response to the President’s attendance’: ‘We regularly ask our broadcasters to refrain from showcasing off-court disruptions.’”

The US Open has long drawn celebrities, influencers, and big business leaders. This edition shines brighter with Trump’s return. On Sunday, he steps back into Flushing Meadows for the first time since 2015.

The President’s last appearance came during a women’s quarterfinal between Venus and Serena Williams. Back then, he had announced his 2016 presidential run only three months earlier. Arthur Ashe fans greeted him with loud boos, a moment that has stayed in tournament history.

Moreover, this year, Donald Trump’s presence at the US Open final will mean tighter security and longer waits for fans. On Friday night, the USTA emailed media to brace for delays on Sunday, at a tournament already famous for packed crowds and endless lines.

“In addition to regular screening at the gates, there will be TSA-style security screening for all individuals as they enter Arthur Ashe Stadium,” the USTA wrote. “You should also expect some delays moving around in public areas that may briefly become restricted access or frozen zones at certain times during the match.” Separately, journalist Ben Rothenberg reported that the USTA sent out another email to broadcasters. The message asked all networks “to refrain from showcasing any disruptions or reactions in response to the President’s attendance in any capacity.”

Now, nine years later, Trump makes his way back to Queens for a blockbuster. He’ll watch as World No. 1 and No. 2 face off in the men’s final. The moment is historic. For the first time in the Open era, dating back to 1968, two players will contest three consecutive major finals in the same year. Not to mention, Carlos Alcaraz has a few thoughts on having Trump at Arthur Ashe!

US Open finalist opens up about the President being present at his match

After his semifinal win over four-time US Open champion Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz was told about the President’s upcoming attendance in his final against Jannik Sinner. Asked if it added any pressure, the Spaniard didn’t hold back. “It is a privilege for the tournament having the president from every country to support the tournament, to support tennis, to support the match.”

As thrilled as he is, Alcaraz knows he must put the spotlight on his game, not the crowd. “For me playing in front of him, to be honest, I will try not to be focused and I will try not to think about it. I don’t want myself to be nervous because of it. But it’s great for tennis to have the president into the final,” he said.

Presidential visits to the US Open are rare, but not new. Former President Bill Clinton attended in 2000 while still in office. In 2023, Barack and Michelle Obama made appearances on opening night at Arthur Ashe. And while this won’t be Donald Trump’s first trip to the stadium, it certainly adds extra buzz to the occasion.

For tennis fans, the real thrill is still the final itself. Alcaraz and Sinner missed their Cincinnati Open showdown last month when Sinner fell ill and pulled out the night before. Now both arrive healthy, ready, and in peak form to write the latest page in their rivalry.

With the World No. 1, the World No. 2, and even a sitting President in the house, this is set to be a night made for history. So, who could take the crown as the prestigious crowd watches? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!