Trump Arrives at US Open Final, Delays Match Start Amid Mixed Reactions

US President Donald Trump attended the final of the US Open on September 7, 2023, receiving a mixed reception from the crowd. His arrival at the Arthur Ashe Stadium prompted cheers and boos, leading to a 30-minute delay in the match due to enhanced security measures.

As Trump waved to the crowd from a box seat, the stadium atmosphere reflected the polarized views surrounding his presidency. Broadcasters chose to mute the live audio of the crowd’s reaction. The US Open organizers later confirmed that the delay was a precautionary measure, stating, “As a result of the security measures in place, and to ensure that fans have additional time to get to their seats, we have pushed the start time of today’s match to 14:30 ET.”

Trump’s attendance comes at a time when his approval rating hovers around 40 percent, raising questions about how he would be received in predominantly Democratic-leaning New York City. Outside the stadium, reactions varied significantly among fans.

Dave, a banker from New York, expressed his discontent, saying, “I couldn’t care less if he comes or not. Who is? He’s a convicted felon.” In contrast, Karen Stark, a retired tennis enthusiast from Michigan, defended Trump’s right to attend, stating, “He can go wherever he wants and attend a match if he wants to.”

This visit was not Trump’s first foray into major sporting events since taking office in January 2017. He has frequently attended high-profile activities, including the Super Bowl and Ultimate Fighting Championship bouts. His engagement in sports extends beyond attendance; he has been active in shaping policies affecting athletics, including issuing an executive order that bans transgender women and girls from competing in female sports.

As the atmosphere inside Arthur Ashe Stadium began to settle, it became clear that Trump’s presence had sparked both enthusiasm and dissent among tennis fans, reflecting the ongoing division in American society. The match eventually commenced, but the debate surrounding the president’s appearance lingered long after the final whistle.