The start of the US Open men’s final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner has been delayed by 30 minutes due to additional security measures in place for the arrival of president Donald Trump.
A statement from the United States Tennis Association (USTA) said: “As as 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 p.m. ET.”
Trump has arrived at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queen’s after flying in from the White House on Sunday morning. Air Force One arrived at LaGuardia airport, with roads around the Billie Jean King tennis centre in Flushing Meadows closed to prepare for his arrival.
Enhanced security measures are in place for spectators, with TSA-style security screening for all individuals as they enter Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The additional time taken to search individuals and bags has enforced the USTA to delay the final so to ensure all ticket holders get into the stadium on time for the highly anticipated final between the best two players in the world. .
Trump will watch the final from a private suite in the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Trump who used to be a regular visitor to the tournament in New York, but was booed during his last appearance at the US Open in 2015, which came a few months after launching his presidential campaign.
The USTA have asked broadcasters to refrain from showing any negative reaction towards Trump during the US president’s appearance at the men’s singles final on Sunday.
Trump is set to be shown on the big screen at Arthur Ashe Stadium during the national anthems, which precedes the start of the match.
But in an email to broadcasters, including Sky Sports and ESPN, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) asked for coverage to “to refrain from showcasing any disruptions or reactions in response to the President’s attendance in any capacity”.
