US Open final disruption as Donald Trump witnesses commotion at event entry prior to match between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner

The 2025 US Open final was marked by delays and disruptions, with thousands of spectators missing the start of the match due to long lines and increased security measures. The presence of former US President Donald Trump in the Rolex box contributed to the stadium's emptiness at the beginning of the event.

Mark, one of the spectators, had parked their car far away from the tournament and walked a mile (about 1.6 km) to get there. This led to a slow pace of people entering, unable to absorb the crowd in time before the match started. Mark estimated that they had been waiting for an hour to enter the Arthur Ashe Stadium and expected another hour for those outside.

Juan, another attendee, had both tickets on his phone, meaning he would have to go back out when his companion entered. Controls within the stadium were as strict as airport entrances, with metal detectors and closer inspections. To enter the stadium, attendees had to go through the hands of the Secret Service due to security measures for the "POTUS."

The Arthur Ashe Stadium, with a seating capacity of 24,000, was unusually empty at the start of the final. Some spectators, including Jennifer, missed the start of the final due to the long lines and delayed start. Jennifer expressed frustration about missing the start of the final due to long lines and the delayed start.

The US Federation announced a 30-minute delay for the start of the match (from 2 pm to 2:30 pm local time) due to the crowd control issues. During this time, thousands of spectators were still waiting outside to get in. Traffic was blocked since 12:30 pm, causing disruptions.

Trump remained in his seat throughout the event, with his appearances on screen receiving mixed reactions from the crowd. At the end of the first set, the audience booed and applauded when they saw Trump giving a thumbs down, to which he responded by raising his fist. During the American anthem, a close-up of Trump caused a reaction from the crowd.

Juan regretted spending too much time at lunch and was still waiting for his companion to get through security. Around half of the approximately 23,000 spectators were still waiting outside just minutes before the start of the match.

For Jennifer and her husband, the delays and disruptions were particularly disappointing as they had spent thousands of dollars on the tickets for their 30th wedding anniversary. Despite the initial setbacks, the couple managed to enjoy the rest of the match, witnessing an exciting final that lived up to their expectations.

US Open final disruption as Donald Trump witnesses commotion at event entry prior to match between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner