Tennis sensations Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner faced a delayed start to their US Open final due to the unexpected arrival of President Donald Trump at Flushing Meadows. The match, initially scheduled to begin at 2 pm local time, was postponed by approximately 30 minutes, causing some anticipation among the spectators.
The delay was primarily attributed to heightened security measures required for the president’s presence. Upon Trump’s arrival, the Arthur Ashe Stadium was noticeably under capacity, with numerous fans still waiting outside as the match was about to commence.
President Trump marked the first sitting president to attend a US Open final since Bill Clinton in 2000. His appearance elicited a mixed reaction from the crowd, receiving a combination of cheers and boos.
In response to the security arrangements and to accommodate fans’ arrival, the start time of the match was rescheduled to 2:30 pm ET, as announced by the US Open’s social media account. Observers, including Sky Sports pundit Laura Robson, noted the unusual congestion outside the stadium, highlighting the challenges faced by fans in entering the venue.
During Sky Sports’ broadcast, tennis icon Martina Navratilova pointed out the limited entry points for spectators into the stadium. As both players, Sinner and Alcaraz, were already warming up, discussions ensued regarding the appropriate duration of the delay.
Sinner and Alcaraz, seeded first and second respectively, were set to clash in their third grand slam final of the year. Alcaraz, undefeated in sets throughout the tournament, secured a convincing victory against Novak Djokovic in the semis. Meanwhile, world number one Sinner overcame Felix Auger-Aliassime in a four-set battle to advance to the final.
In the women’s singles final, Aryna Sabalenka emerged victorious over Amanda Anisimova, who experienced her second consecutive grand slam final defeat. Sabalenka, expressing her elation, acknowledged the significance of her triumph and commended Anisimova’s resilience and performance.
As the tennis world gears up for the eventful showdown between Europe and the USA in New York, the illustrious legacy of the Ryder Cup is celebrated. Quoting Tom Watson, who emphasized the tournament’s ability to create idols, legends, and lasting memories, the anticipation for the upcoming competition intensifies.
For enthusiasts seeking to delve deeper into the legends of the Ryder Cup, a special edition publication is available for purchase at £3.50.