Tennis sensations, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, faced a delay in starting their US Open final due to the arrival of President Donald Trump at Flushing Meadows. The match, scheduled to begin at 2 pm local time, was postponed by at least thirty minutes, likely due to heightened security measures for the President’s presence. As a result, the Arthur Ashe Stadium was not even half full at the expected start time, with fans waiting outside, prompting organizers to commence the match without further delay.
President Trump’s attendance marked the first time a sitting president had appeared at a US Open final since Bill Clinton in 2000. His arrival elicited a mixed response from the crowd, with both boos and cheers greeting him upon his arrival.
The US Open account on social media announced the delay to 2:30 pm ET, citing the need for increased security and providing extra time for fans to find their seats. Sky Sports pundit Laura Robson remarked on the crowded scenes outside the stadium as fans waited to enter.
During the Sky Sports broadcast, Martina Navratilova highlighted the bottleneck at the stadium’s entry point, raising concerns about the start time delay. Notably, both Alcaraz and Sinner had started warming up when the decision to postpone was made.
Alcaraz and Sinner, the top two seeds in the tournament, were meeting in their third grand slam final of the year. Alcaraz had a straight-set victory over Novak Djokovic in the semis, while Sinner defeated Felix Auger-Aliassime in four sets to advance to the final, aiming to defend his title from last year.
In the women’s singles final, Aryna Sabalenka emerged victorious over Amanda Anisimova. Sabalenka expressed her elation at winning back-to-back titles, commending Anisimova’s efforts despite the loss. The tournament showcased legendary talent as players from Europe and the USA prepared for a showdown in New York.
As the Ryder Cup approaches, Tom Watson’s words resonate: “The Ryder Cup creates idols. It creates legends. It creates memories that last.” The upcoming battle promises to be a spectacle of sporting greatness.
For those interested in exploring more sporting legends, a special edition focusing on the Ryder Cup is available for purchase at £3.50.