Donald Trump attends this Sunday at the US Open final in New York between Sinner and Alcaraz, which started more than half an hour late due to the security measures set up for the arrival of the American president.
Arrived on site around 1:45 p.m. (5:45 p.m. GMT), Donald Trump first greeted the spectators of a short Arthur-Ashe at the stands still three-quarters empty. It was greeted by a mixture of applause and whistles, largely covered by the music broadcast in the stadium, before entering a stadium lodge.
The president then returned to the stands for the American anthem, during which he was applauded and, at the same time, somewhat whistled. The city of New York has been in the hands of a democrat since 2022.
With more than half an hour late, the match started with the world’s N.1, the Italian Jannik Sinner, in the service.
Long queues were then still present at the entrance to the court.
This situation had pushed an hour earlier the organizers of the tournament to officially repel the start of the final “to ensure that supporters have additional time to reach their seats”, according to a statement.
With the arrival of the American president at Flushing Meadows, an additional security check was established Sunday at the entrance gates.
In addition, according to several American media, the organizers of the tournament asked the TV broadcasters of the final to “refrain from showing any disturbance vis-à-vis the presence of the president, in any capacity”.
The 79 -year -old Republican had been hoa by the public when he had come to see in September 2015 a match of the US Open, a year before winning his first presidential election to the surprise.
“This means that tennis is important”
“It is a privilege for tournaments to welcome a president, whatever the country he directs,” said Carlos Alcaraz after his victory against Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals on Friday.
“I do not want to make myself nervous” because of the presence of the American president, “but I think that the fact that he is witnessing the match is great for tennis,” concluded the 22 -year -old Spaniard, N. 2 in the world.
“This means that tennis is important” and the arrival of the American president will therefore “enjoy” the players, “said Jannik Sinner. The American president, a great lover of sports competitions, has already attended this year the final of the American football championship, the Super Bowl, and the final of the World Cup of football clubs.
The latest American president who has attended this Grand Chelem tournament is Bill Clinton, for the 2000 ladies’ final, won by Venus Williams.
Donald Trump and the Democratic President were also seen that year on the sidelines of the competition. A photograph published by the official archives of Bill Clinton, at the request of the Politico site, shows the two men in a lodge, very smiling and in the company of two women, including Melania Knauss, future wife of Donald Trump and current first lady.
