Tennis sensations Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner faced a delay in commencing their US Open final as President Donald Trump’s arrival at Flushing Meadows necessitated enhanced security measures. Originally scheduled to start at 2 pm local time (7 pm UK time), the match was postponed by at least 30 minutes due to the circumstances.
The delay was partly attributed to the heightened security protocols for the president’s attendance, leading to the Arthur Ashe Stadium being less than half full past the intended start time. Despite fans waiting outside, the organizers opted not to further postpone the match.
President Trump marked the first instance of a sitting president attending a US Open final since Bill Clinton in 2000, receiving a mixed reception of boos and cheers upon his arrival.
The US Open official social media account announced the delay to 2:30 pm ET, citing security arrangements and allowing fans more time to reach their seats. Sky Sports analyst Laura Robson remarked on the unprecedented busyness outside the stadium.
During the Sky Sports broadcast, tennis icon Martina Navratilova highlighted the limited entry point for fans into the stadium. Concerns arose regarding the timing of the delay, with both players already warming up when the postponement decision was finalized.
Alcaraz and Sinner, the top two seeds in the tournament, were set to clash in their third grand slam final this year. Alcaraz emerged victorious in a thrilling French Open final in June, while Sinner avenged the defeat at Wimbledon the following month.
Alcaraz maintained a flawless record, not dropping a set throughout the tournament, including a convincing win against Novak Djokovic in the semis. Meanwhile, world number one Sinner overcame Felix Auger-Aliassime in four sets in the semis, eyeing a consecutive title after last year’s victory against Taylor Fritz.
In the women’s singles final, Aryna Sabalenka secured a win over Amanda Anisimova, marking Anisimova’s second consecutive grand slam final defeat. Sabalenka expressed her elation and praised Anisimova’s resilience in reaching back-to-back finals, emphasizing her belief in Anisimova’s future success.
The anticipation builds as Europe and the USA gear up for another showdown in New York, reminiscent of the Ryder Cup’s iconic moments, idols, and legends, as famously articulated by Tom Watson.
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