As the dust settles after the highly anticipated US Open men’s final held on Sunday, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) is preparing to release its annual victory-lap press statement. This year, the association will celebrate another record-breaking event, boasting over a million fans passing through the gates, unprecedented social media engagement, and significant growth in food and beverage sales. The USTA will highlight the star-studded attendance, featuring celebrities from brands like Rolex to Ralph Lauren, while emphasizing its commitment to expanding the sport, championing diversity, and transforming Flushing Meadows into a pop-culture hotspot.
However, amidst these celebratory milestones, this year's tournament will be notably remembered for a profoundly troubling first: the USTA's controversial decision to instruct broadcasters to avoid showcasing any public dissent against former President Donald Trump. This preemptive move reveals a significant misstep by the USTA, as it sacrifices its authenticity and credibility to shield a political figure from public disapproval, regardless of their party affiliation or ideology.
Internal emails obtained by various media outlets, including PA and Bounces, unveiled the USTA's directive to its television partners, which requested that they “refrain from showcasing any disruptions or reactions” when Trump appeared on screen during the final. Additionally, staff were informed that Trump would be seated in Rolex’s suite as a client guest. The USTA's statement to the Guardian on Saturday night, claiming, “We regularly ask our broadcasters to refrain from showcasing off-court disruptions,” is weak and hypocritical, considering the organization has previously broadcasted various protests and disturbances without hesitation.
This is the same tournament that aired footage of a climate protester gluing himself to a seat during Coco Gauff’s semi-final victory over Karolina Muchova two years ago, along with countless other disruptions that have characterized its reputation. The US Open has long embraced chaos as part of its brand. The USTA's decision to draw the line at displaying boos directed at a sitting president is not a matter of “policy consistency” but rather a capitulation to fear and political pressure.
This fear stems from the possibility that Trump, who faced loud boos during his last appearance at the US Open in 2015, could once again be portrayed as unpopular on a global stage. The USTA's apprehension that a chorus of jeers might overshadow the match reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of both sports and democracy. Crowd dissent broadcasted during events is not a breakdown of civility; it is an essential expression of civic engagement. Historical examples abound, such as UK home secretary Theresa May being booed at the 2012 London Paralympics and French President Emmanuel Macron receiving a hostile reception during the 2023 Rugby World Cup opening ceremony.
Moreover, figures like NFL commissioner Roger Goodell are routinely met with boos during public appearances, while both Trump and his predecessor, Joe Biden, have experienced hostile receptions from sports crowds. The resilience of the United Kingdom, France, and the United States in the face of such dissent underscores the importance of allowing public sentiment to be expressed freely.
The USTA's desire to insulate Trump from public scrutiny evokes troubling parallels to regimes that demand protection of their leaders from public ridicule. The influence of Trump's first term, characterized by his antagonism toward cultural institutions, still reverberates within these decisions. After being widely criticized by athletes and sports bodies during his presidency, Trump is now often met with silence or accommodation from organizations, as noted by journalist Tom Dart before this year’s Super Bowl.
The US Open is intended to be a quintessentially New York event: bold, democratic, vibrant, and multicultural, where the audience plays an integral role alongside the athletes. By sanitizing the public's reaction, the USTA is not merely shielding Trump; it is stripping the event of its unique character, authenticity, and integrity. This irony is particularly profound considering the Open's historical commitment to progress and inclusivity.
As the first Grand Slam to award equal prize money to both men and women, the US Open has long been a leader in promoting equality in sports. It has embraced and celebrated LGBTQ+ athletes well before it became a mainstream issue, honoring pioneers like Billie Jean King and Martina Navratilova, as well as breaking ground with transgender athletes like Renée Richards. This year’s theme, “75 Years of Breaking Barriers,” pays tribute to Althea Gibson, the first Black player to compete at the tournament, whose legacy is commemorated through various artistic installations and displays throughout the event.
From a certain perspective, Trump’s attendance could be seen as a calculated move to turn the tennis match into another battleground of grievances. Getting booed by thousands of fans while sipping overpriced cocktails may not reflect poorly on his base, especially in a city like New York. Ultimately, fans will express their opinions, regardless of whether those reactions are aired on television, but millions of viewers at home may miss these authentic moments due to the USTA’s decision to act more like a political shield than a guardian of sport.
In a sport that prides itself on honesty and transparency—where calls of “in” or “out” are clear and indisputable—this retreat from authenticity is a disheartening development. The US Open should remain a platform for expression, both on and off the court, fostering an environment where all voices can be heard and celebrated.
