Tennis sensations Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner faced a delay in commencing their US Open final due to the unexpected arrival of President Donald Trump at Flushing Meadows. Originally scheduled to start at 2pm local time, the match was postponed by around 30 minutes, partly due to heightened security measures accompanying the president’s visit. The Arthur Ashe Stadium saw a significant number of empty seats post the initial start time, as fans were still queuing outside when the decision was made to proceed.
President Trump’s attendance marked a rare occasion as the first sitting president to be present at a US Open final since Bill Clinton in 2000, receiving a mixed reaction of both applause and boos upon his arrival.
The US Open organizers announced the delay on social media, citing security considerations and allowing additional time for fans to enter the venue. Sky Sports commentator Laura Robson expressed surprise at the crowded scenes outside the stadium.
During the broadcast on Sky Sports, tennis legend Martina Navratilova highlighted the limited entrance points for spectators, raising concerns about the timing of the match delay, which was confirmed after both players had already started their warm-ups.
Alcaraz and Sinner, the top two seeds in the tournament, were set to clash in their third grand slam final of the year. Alcaraz, unbeaten so far in the competition, defeated Novak Djokovic in straight sets in the semis. Meanwhile, world number one Sinner overcame Felix Auger-Aliassime in four sets to advance to the final, aiming to defend his title from the previous year against Taylor Fritz.
In the women’s singles final, Aryna Sabalenka emerged victorious over Amanda Anisimova. Sabalenka, elated after her win, praised Anisimova’s resilience and tennis prowess, acknowledging the challenges of reaching consecutive grand slam finals.
As excitement builds for the upcoming clash between Europe and the USA at the Ryder Cup, the tournament continues to create lasting memories and celebrate tennis legends, embodying Tom Watson’s sentiment that the Ryder Cup fosters idols and legends.
For enthusiasts eager to delve into the rich history of the Ryder Cup, a special edition is available for purchase at just £3.50.