fans express varied responses towards Trump at US Open due to irritation caused by security hold-ups
In the grand setting of Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, the largest tennis venue in the world with a capacity of nearly 24,000 people, the US Open men's singles final took place on Sunday. However, the event was marked by an unexpected delay.
The delay was attributed to the visit of former President Donald Trump, who enjoyed attending the final. Upon his arrival, Trump was greeted by a mix of cheers and boos when shown on the stadium screens. Some attendees who were still outside booed as the match started.
Thousands of seats remained empty when the final began, possibly due to the delay and the heightened security measures surrounding Trump's visit. The US Secret Service and other federal security officers conducted thorough checks, including bag searches and metal detector screenings, which led to long lines and delays for many attendees.
Maribeth Lodes, a ticket holder, waited in line for over an hour and a half before entering the stadium, having paid $350 for her ticket. Some attendees were infuriated by the long lines and delays caused by the security checks related to Trump's attendance.
Karen Stark, a retired tennis fan, traveled from Michigan and was fine with Trump's presence at the event. She expressed her excitement for the match between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, which started a little before 3 p.m. EDT (1900 GMT).
Trump praised the talent of both players in the final, and it is evident that he enjoyed his attendance at the event, having attended multiple sports events since returning to the White House in January, including the Super Bowl and Ultimate Fighting Championship bouts.
In an effort to minimise any disruptions, the USTA asked broadcasters to refrain from showcasing off-court disruptions, including any reaction to Trump's presence. Despite the delay, the final was a thrilling spectacle, with Alcaraz emerging victorious in a closely contested match.
A Secret Service spokesperson acknowledged that the enhanced security for Trump's visit may have caused delays for attendees. However, the excitement and anticipation of the final overshadowed the inconvenience for many, making it a memorable day in the world of tennis.
