ORGANISERS of the US Open have asked broadcasters not to highlight any negative reactions to Donald Trump at tonight’s final.
The president is set to make his first visit to the Grand Slam tennis event in New York since 2015.
He will appear on TV coverage during the anthem ceremony before Italy’s Jannik Sinner faces Carlos Alcaraz of Spain in the men’s singles final.
Trump has been invited by a sponsor of the tournament and is set to watch the match from a corporate suite.
Extra security measures have been put in place ahead of the showpiece game – which starts at 2pm local time (7pm BST).
And there are concerns Trump will receive a negative reaction from the crowd – with broadcasters told to avoid showing it.
A memo sent out by the United States Tennis Association read: “We ask all broadcasters to refrain from showcasing any disruptions to the President’s attendance in any capacity.”
Trump – who was re-elected in 2024 for a second term in office – has not been to the Open since he first came to power in 2016.
He was a regular at Flushing Meadows and was joined by wife Melania on his last visit a decade ago.
The former real estate magnate is due to attend a Yankees baseball game on September 11 and also the Ryder Cup at Bethpage later this month.
He also became the first ever sitting president to attend a Super Bowl when he watched on in New Orleans earlier this year.
Bill Clinton watched tennis from the Arthur Ashe stadium at the 2000 tournament, a few months before George W. Bush was elected as the next President.
Trump’s presence is also causing a security headache for the USTA and broadcasters have been telling their staff they may not be allowed to bring in bags on site.
Wimbledon champion Alcaraz, 22, was asked how it would feel to play a tennis match in front of the president.
The world No2 – searching for his sixth Major success this weekend – said: “It is a privilege for the tournaments having the president from every country just to support the tournament, to support tennis, and to support the match.
“For me, playing in front of him…so, to be honest, I will try not to be focused, and I will try not to think about it.
“I don’t want myself to be nervous because of it, but I think, you know, attending the tennis match, it’s great for tennis to have the president into the final.”
Read the full article here