President Donald Trump was spotted signing autographs for tennis fans at the U.S. Open in New York City on Sunday before departing for Washington, D.C. The event marked his first attendance at a Grand Slam tennis tournament since September 2015, shortly after he announced his presidential bid for the first time. Trump arrived at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens less than an hour before the match began, where he was seen on the balcony of the Rolex corporate suite waving to the crowd. His presence was met with a mix of cheers and boos as the cameras panned to him during the proceedings.
The president was in attendance to watch Spanish tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz defeat Jannik Sinner in a four-set match. The victory marked Alcaraz’s second U.S. Open title, following his previous win in 2022 over Casper Ruud. This year, Alcaraz had already secured the French Open title and reached the Wimbledon final, though he was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the Australian Open. The 22-year-old Spanish star now boasts six Grand Slam titles, with the Australian Open being the only major tournament he has yet to capture.
Trump’s visit to the U.S. Open underscored the intertwining of politics and sports, with his actions drawing mixed reactions from the crowd. During the match, Trump was seen cheering for Alcaraz after the player secured his victory. His appearance at the tournament also highlighted his continued public engagement with fans, a strategy that has characterized his political career. While some spectators applauded his presence, others expressed their disapproval, reflecting the polarized views surrounding the former president.
The event marked a significant moment for Alcaraz, who is now poised to become a major figure in the tennis world. His performance at the U.S. Open, coupled with his recent achievements at the French Open and Wimbledon, has positioned him as one of the leading contenders in the sport. Trump’s presence at the tournament, while brief, was a reminder of the broader cultural and political dynamics that often accompany high-profile sporting events.