The energy at Arthur Ashe Stadium is usually about the thwack of a tennis ball and the smell of expensive honey deuce cocktails. But on a humid Sunday in September 2025, the vibe shifted. It wasn't just about the baseline rallies between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. When Donald Trump walked into the Rolex luxury suite, the atmosphere in Queens turned into something you'd expect at a high-stakes political rally, not a Grand Slam final.
Honestly, the US Open Trump crowd reactions were a chaotic mess of sound. It wasn't a "rockstar reception" or a "total rejection." It was both. At the same time.
The Security Lag and the Frustrated Fans
If you were trying to get into the stadium that day, you probably hated the security lines. To accommodate the presidential motorcade and Secret Service sweeps, the USTA actually pushed the match start time back by 30 minutes.
People were stuck. Long, winding lines snaked around the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Even with the delay, thousands of fans were still outside when the first serve happened. By the time Alcaraz was leading the first set 6-2, a good chunk of the upper-tier seats were still empty. That’s a lot of money to pay to sit on a sidewalk while a 22-year-old phenom makes history inside.
The Secret Service eventually put out a statement basically saying, "Yeah, our bad, protecting the President is hard." They thanked everyone for their "patience," but "patience" isn't exactly the word I’d use for a New Yorker who just missed four games of world-class tennis.
Breaking Down the Noise: Boos vs. Cheers
When Trump first appeared on the massive Jumbotron, the reaction was immediate. A sharp, loud burst of boos filled the air. You could hear it over the stadium's sound system. But then, a wave of cheers started to fight back. It was this weird, oscillating wall of noise.
👉 See also: Why the 2025 NFL Draft Class is a Total Headache for Scouts
The National Anthem Smirk
During the national anthem, the cameras cut to Trump saluting. He gave a slight smirk. That was the spark. The boos intensified, almost drowning out the performer from West Point.
He didn't seem to care. He pointed to a small cluster of supporters nearby, gave a thumbs up, and settled into his seat.
The Fist Pump
The loudest moment of the night for US Open Trump crowd reactions happened after the first set ended. Trump was shown again on the big screen. This time, he stood up and raised his left fist in a salute. The response was a roar of boos, punctuated by piercing whistles.
It's funny, though—if you were watching on ABC, you might have missed the scale of it.
The USTA had reportedly sent a memo to broadcasters asking them to "refrain from showcasing any disruptions or reactions." Basically, they didn't want the politics to overshadow the tennis. ESPN and ABC mostly complied, muting some of the crowd audio or keeping the camera shots brief. But social media? Social media had the receipts. Clips from fans in the stands showed the real volume of the jeers.
✨ Don't miss: Liverpool FC Chelsea FC: Why This Grudge Match Still Hits Different
A Tale of Two Stadiums
There’s a weird contrast in who was actually there. On one hand, you had Trump’s entourage:
- White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles.
- Attorney General Pam Bondi.
- Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
On the other hand, the crowd was a "who’s who" of people who generally aren't on the Trump Christmas card list. Bruce Springsteen was there. So were Pink, Shonda Rhimes, Michael J. Fox, and Ben Stiller.
When the camera cut to Springsteen during a changeover in the second set, the crowd went absolutely wild with cheers. It was a total 180 from the reception Trump got. It sort of highlighted the deep divide in New York—a city that's essentially Trump's home turf but also his most vocal opposition.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Visit
A lot of folks assume Trump just "showed up" to cause a stir. Actually, he was there as a guest of Rolex. It's a bit of a weird situation, considering his administration had just slapped a 39% tariff on Swiss products (Rolex is, obviously, Swiss).
Also, it’s not like this was his first time. Before the 2016 election, Trump was a permanent fixture at the US Open. He loved the spectacle. He hadn't been back since 2015, though, when he was loudly booed during a Serena and Venus Williams match.
🔗 Read more: NFL Football Teams in Order: Why Most Fans Get the Hierarchy Wrong
The players tried to stay out of it. Alcaraz was asked about it before the final and he played it cool. He called it a "privilege" to have a president there but said he was going to try not to be nervous about it. Sinner didn't say much either. They just wanted to play.
The Viral Aftermath
After Alcaraz clinched the win in four sets, Trump stayed for the trophy ceremony. He signed some hats for fans on his way out. By the time he got back to Air Force One, he told reporters the fans were "great" and "really nice."
He seemed to interpret the noise as positive energy. Or maybe he just knows how to spin it.
"I didn't know what to expect," he said. "Usually, you would say that would be a somewhat progressive crowd. But they were great."
Actionable Insights for Future Attendees
If you’re planning on attending a major sporting event where a high-profile political figure is expected, here’s the reality:
- Arrive 2 hours early. If there's a presidential motorcade, the standard security checks will double or triple in time.
- Expect a "Radio Silence" broadcast. If you're watching from home, the TV networks will likely filter the crowd noise to avoid controversy. Follow local reporters on X (formerly Twitter) for the unedited audio.
- Check the Guest List. Corporate sponsors like Rolex or JPMorgan often have high-profile guests in their suites. These are usually the "political" flashes you see on the big screen.
- Mind the Hat. At this specific Open, several fans mentioned being careful about wearing red hats so they wouldn't be mistaken for MAGA supporters. If you want to avoid being part of the "reaction," stick to neutral colors.
The US Open Trump crowd reactions weren't just about a politician in a stadium. They were a snapshot of a country that can't even agree on how to watch a tennis match anymore. Whether you were cheering or booing, the atmosphere was undeniably electric, even if it made the security lines a nightmare.