United States President Donald Trump previously shelled out $200,000 to lease a suite at the US Open, which was branded an “attention-seeking and ego-stroking haven.” The men’s singles championship between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz is set for Flushing Meadows on Sunday night. The world No. 1 defeated Felix Auger-Aliassime while Alcaraz triumphed over Novak Djokovic.
A notable crowd gathered in New York for the clash between the globe’s top two tennis stars, but were met with severe delays through security due to Trump’s attendance and the match was delayed. On Friday, the USTA announced Trump would occupy a corporate suite within Arthur Ashe Stadium, prompting enhanced security protocols and widespread excitement.
This marks Trump’s first US Open attendance since 2015, prior to fully embarking on his political journey. He has appeared at several prominent sporting events this year, including the Super Bowl in New Orleans, the Daytona 500 in Florida, and multiple UFC events.
Trump also generated buzz when he interrupted Chelsea’s FIFA Club World Cup championship ceremony. Nevertheless, his US Open visit carries special significance; Trump’s attendance represents the first time a sitting president has graced the US Open in 25 years, since Bill Clinton watched the women’s championship in 2000.
Trump was once a regular US Open attendee. He leased a suite, positioned next to the broadcast booth, that The Guardian characterized as the ultimate “attention-seeking and ego-stroking haven in sports.”
The luxury suite turned into a hotspot for celebrities and other high-profile individuals seeking the spotlight.
Among those spotted in the box were Kevin Bacon, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, and Clinton, along with numerous models.
The Trump Organization reportedly held onto the suite for years but relinquished it in 2017 during the mogul’s first year in the Oval Office. He is now poised to make his return to the US Open after a decade-long absence.
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Alcaraz is thrilled at the prospect of playing in front of the president. The 2022 champion has made history as the first man to reach the tournament’s final without losing a set since Roger Federer in 2015, and he’s determined not to let anything distract him.
“I think that 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,” Alcaraz said. “For me, playing in front of him… I will try not to think about it.
“I don’t want myself to be nervous because of it, but I think attending the tennis match, it’s great for tennis to have the president at the final.”
He added: “It’s great for tennis. But on Sunday, my job is to play my best tennis and not let anything else get in the way.”