US Open organisers have announced that the start time for Sunday’s men’s singles final has been postponed due to enhanced security measures in place for those entering Arthur Ashe Stadium. Airport-style security gates have been put up for those entering the main showcourt ahead of President Donald Trump’s visit.
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz were meant to take to the court at 2pm local time (7pm UK) but the start time was pushed back by half an hour. Organisers announced the news on social media roughly 25 minutes before the final was initially meant to start.
“As a result of the security measures in place, and to ensure that fans have additional time to get to their seats, we have pushed the start time of today’s match to 2:30 pm ET,” the US Open tweeted at 1.34pm local time.
The additional security measures were put in place overnight, after the women’s singles final between Aryna Sabalenka and Amanda Anisimova had concluded and fans left the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre.
Sky Sports pundits entering the venue to cover Sunday’s final were also subject to additional security checks. Laura Robson said: “There were a lot more security checks involved. There was a bit of confusion about whether we were going to be able to be on site after 9.30pm.
“That was mixed messaging. The fans were probably not expecting to go through airport security on Ashe, that was added in last night after the women’s final.
“They have paid really good money to be here for the men’s final so you want to make sure the crowd is packed and they get what they paid for.”
Tim Henman added: “It is a nightmare. There are very few people in the stadium so far and it looks like it is going to take them a lot longer to get in.”
President Trump has already made it inside Arthur Ashe Stadium and was photographed waving as he arrived in his suite. The 79-year-old is a guest of luxury Swiss watchmaker Rolex.
After booking his spot in a second career US Open final, Alcaraz was asked about the president’s visit and said: “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.
“For me, playing in front of him… so, to be honest, I will try not to be focused, and I will try not to think about it. I don’t want myself to be nervous because of it, but I think, you know, attending the tennis match, it’s great for tennis to have the president into the final.”
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