President Donald Trump will take his seat at Flushing Meadows on Sunday for the US Open men’s final, extending a string of highly visible appearances at major sporting events during his second term.
The 79-year-old president is expected to watch top-ranked stars Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner battle for the Grand Slam title in New York City, where Trump’s relationship with the public has often been polarizing. His last appearance at the tournament came in 2015, when he was met with loud boos while campaigning for the presidency.
Despite his complicated history in his hometown, Trump has leaned into sports as a stage to project influence and connect with American culture. Since January, he has attended the Super Bowl, several UFC events, the Daytona 500, and the FIFA Club World Cup final. Crowds have responded with a mix of cheers and jeers, underscoring the sharp political divisions he embodies.
The US Open visit carries symbolic weight. The last sitting president to attend the tournament was Bill Clinton in 2000, when he watched the women’s final. Trump, then a businessman, was in attendance that same day, even sharing a brief exchange with Clinton.
For athletes, the presence of a head of state is both a distraction and a spotlight. Alcaraz acknowledged the attention but said he would remain focused: “I think it’s great for tennis to have the president watching, but I won’t let myself get nervous because of it.”
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Security officials have prepared for heightened measures around the stadium, with thousands of fans expected.
Trump has also hinted at an even greater blending of sports and politics. Plans are underway for him to attend the Ryder Cup later this month, while the White House is exploring the logistics of hosting a UFC fight on its grounds.
Framing these events as part of what he calls America’s “Golden Age,” Trump has pointed to the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as proof of the country’s global dominance.
Sunday’s US Open appearance will mark Trump’s first trip to New York City since beginning his second term.