U.S. open Broadcasts Avoided Showing Reactions to Trump’s Appearance
NEW YORK – Donald Trump’s attendance at the U.S. Open final on Sunday drew a mixed reaction from the crowd, eliciting both boos and cheers. Though, television broadcasts largely avoided showcasing the audience’s response to the former president’s presence.
Trump received the moast noticeable reaction after the first set of the match between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. ABC, which broadcasted the final, was on a commercial break at the time he was displayed on the stadium’s scoreboards, and therefore did not air the crowd’s reaction.
According to a memo reviewed by the Athletic, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) requested broadcasters refrain from showing any disruptions or reactions to Trump’s attendance “in any capacity.”
ESPN, which produced the broadcast and is also owned by disney, declined to offer official comment. A source familiar with ESPN’s production plans, speaking anonymously, stated the network intended to cover Trump’s presence as it would with any other attendee and focus on the gameplay.Upon the broadcast’s return from the commercial break following the first set, commentators instantly transitioned to discussing Sinner’s potential comeback, without acknowledging Trump’s appearance on the scoreboards. The ABC broadcast did briefly show Trump standing and watching the festivity after Alcaraz secured the championship.This marked Trump’s first appearance at the U.S. Open since 2015, when he was booed during a quarterfinal match featuring Venus and Serena Williams.Prior to his entry into politics, Trump was a frequent attendee of the tournament, maintaining a suite there for nearly two decades before relinquishing it in 2017, his first year in office.
Trump has remained a visible figure at sporting events throughout his post-presidency. He attended a UFC fight in New York shortly after his November win, Super Bowl LIX in february (leaving at halftime), and is a vocal supporter of LIV Golf, with one of his courses, Trump National Doral in Miami, hosting a league event. He is also scheduled to attend the World Cup draw in December alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino in Washington, D.C.
Alcaraz’s victory secured him not only the U.S. Open title but also the world No. 1 ranking on the ATP Tour. Before the match, Alcaraz described it as “a privilege” to have the American president “supporting the match,” and stated he would attempt to remain focused on the game itself.
(Top photo: Charly Triballeau / AFP via Getty Images)
matthew Futterman and Richard Deitsch contributed to this report.
