As Donald Trump steps into Center Court for the U.S. Open Men's Final on Sunday, the reaction is palpable. A memo from the United States Tennis Association (USTA) sent to major broadcasters like ESPN and Sky Sports requests that they refrain from showcasing any disruptions or reactions related to the President's presence. This request raises questions about whether it represents an attempt at censorship, a call for civility amidst ongoing political divides, or a misstep that unintentionally draws more attention to Trump's appearance.
The USTA's memo has ignited a discussion surrounding Trump's attendance at the prestigious match, which is being broadcast on platforms including ABC and ESPN Unlimited. The highly anticipated showdown features Carlos Alcaraz, the 2022 U.S. Open champion, going head-to-head with Jannik Sinner, who recently triumphed at Wimbledon. The match is scheduled to begin at 11 am PT/2 pm ET, coinciding with Trump's expected arrival at the stadium, where he will likely be featured on the giant video screen during the national anthem.
Trump's attendance is as a guest of Rolex, and it's unlikely he will be discussing political matters such as tariffs at the event. When approached for a comment regarding the USTA's correspondence, ESPN declined to provide a statement. However, insiders suggest that while the network will focus primarily on the tennis match, they will not completely ignore Trump's presence, indicating a possible flexibility in their coverage strategy.
This isn't Trump's first appearance at a sporting event, and history shows that reactions can be mixed. At the FIFA Club World Cup final on July 13 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, he faced a chorus of boos, while at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, there were cheers alongside the jeers. His previous visit to Arthur Ashe Stadium during the U.S. Open in 2015 was marked by overwhelmingly negative responses, as boos drowned out any applause. The question now is whether history will repeat itself.
For the USTA, which has welcomed a host of high-profile attendees this year, including Common, Hugh Jackman, Naomi Watts, and the legendary Billie Jean King, the approach remains business as usual—just on a larger scale. Lisa Cradit, USTA's Managing Director and Head of Communications and Content, stated, "We regularly ask our broadcasters to refrain from showcasing off-court disruptions," underscoring their commitment to maintaining the focus on tennis.
As the tournament unfolds, Aryna Sabalenka continues to shine, having recently secured her title as the U.S. Open's women's champion by defeating Amanda Anisimova in straight sets. Her victory earlier today was met with applause and a standing ovation, setting a positive tone for the competition. As the U.S. Open progresses, all eyes will be on both the thrilling tennis matches and the reactions surrounding Trump's attendance, making for a fascinating blend of sports and politics.
