Credited from: NEWSWEEK
President Donald Trump's attendance at the U.S. Open men's singles final prompted mixed reactions from the crowd, with many fans expressing their discontent through boos as he appeared on the stadium screens. The event began around 3 p.m. EDT, a 30-minute delay attributed to heightened security measures due to Trump's visit, which complicated entry for attendees, according to reports from Newsweek and Reuters.
A mix of enhanced security measures, including checks by the Secret Service, contributed to long entry lines into Arthur Ashe Stadium, where fans were reported waiting over an hour just to reach their seats. "One hundred percent him. Very selfish," said a Brooklyn resident, reflecting on the delays caused by Trump's presence, according to Reuters and India Times.
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) issued a request to broadcasters to limit showcasing any crowd reactions to Trump's attendance. Their memo highlighted their goal to avoid distractions associated with off-court events, as reported by Newsweek and The Hill.
As the match progressed, responses to Trump varied significantly, with some attendees expressing annoyance, while others remained indifferent to his presence. Some fans, like Karen Stark, indicated they were unbothered by Trump's attendance, stating that he is entitled to go wherever he pleases, as noted by India Times and Reuters.
Following the match, Trump mentioned that he enjoyed attending the event and praised the players, while also humorously acknowledging the crowd's reception. "The fans were really nice. I didn’t know what to expect," he remarked, shedding light on the diverse audience he encountered, per India Times and Newsweek.