Donald Trump will attend Sunday’s US Open final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, with the 79-year-old sitting in the Rolex Suite. Naturally, his presence will certainly draw attention and may even attract boos from fellow spectators at the Billie Jean King Tennis Center. In a leaked email, broadcasters such as ESPN and Sky Sports were told to avoid showing any negative reaction to Trump’s presence.
While Alcaraz seemed delighted that Trump would be attending the final after his semi-final win over Novak Djokovic, the sentiment from the US Open faithful may be different. He’s attended a series of marquee sporting events since securing his second term began, including the Super Bowl, the Daytona 500 and the FIFA Club World Cup Final.
The email, obtained by Bounce, reads: “With respect to Broadcast Coverage, the President will be shown on the World Feed and the Ashe Court Feed during the opening anthem ceremony.
“We ask all broadcasters to refrain from showcasing any disruptions or reactions in response to the President’s attendance in any capacity, including ENG [Electronic News Gathering] coverage.”
Sunday’s final will mark Alcaraz’s third Grand Slam meeting with Sinner this calendar year. The Spaniard was victorious in a five-set classic at Roland-Garros, while the Italian claimed a four-set victory at Wimbledon.
Alcaraz, 22, expressed his thoughts on having the President in attendance on Friday.
He said: “I think that 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.
“I don’t want myself to be nervous because of it, but I think attending the tennis match is great for tennis to have the president at the final.
But on Sunday, my job is to play my best tennis and not let anything else get in the way.”
Trump has not attended the US Open since he was first elected in 2016. He had previously visited Flushing Meadows on several occasions, being joined by his wife Melania on his last visit a decade ago.
Back in 2015, Trump was greeted by John McEnroe as he watched the action from a hospitality suite. He was born in the Queens area of New York City, where the Grand Slam tournament is held.
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