— Former President Donald Trump attended the US Open men’s final at Arthur Ashe Stadium as a guest of Rolex. His presence led to additional security measures and a roughly 30-minute delay to the match, and broadcasts captured a mixed reaction from the crowd.
Key Takeaways
- Donald Trump was present at the 2025 US Open final as a guest of sponsor Rolex.
- Tournament play was delayed about 30 minutes for enhanced security screening.
- Live broadcasts, including ESPN, showed varied crowd responses to his arrival.
- Rolex is a tournament partner and regularly hosts VIP guests at majors.
- Organizers deploy extra protocols when high-profile political figures attend.
- Crowd reaction and schedule disruption raised questions about event planning for VIP visitors.
Verified Facts
Donald Trump attended the US Open men’s final on Sept. 6, 2025, occupying a VIP seat as a guest associated with Rolex. Multiple broadcasters showed images of his arrival and the stadium’s reaction during the match.
Organizers implemented additional security measures that delayed the scheduled start of play by roughly 30 minutes. Broadcasters reported the pause and noted visible effects on the pre-match routine for players and officials.
ESPN and other outlets aired segments that captured a mix of applause and audible disapproval from sections of the crowd when Trump appeared on camera. Those on-air reports documented the immediate public reaction but did not quantify crowd sentiment across the full stadium.
Context & Impact
High-profile attendees — especially political figures — commonly prompt stepped-up security at major sporting events. Protocols can include expanded perimeter screening, additional credential checks, and coordination with local law enforcement, all of which can affect event timing.
Rolex, as a global sponsor and official timekeeper at many tennis events, frequently hosts VIPs in hospitality suites and courtside seats. When a politically prominent guest attends, organizers balance hospitality obligations with the need to maintain the competition schedule and spectator experience.
The delay and visible crowd reaction created additional editorial and production considerations for broadcasters. Networks must manage live feeds, on-air commentary, and commercial timing when unexpected pauses or crowd incidents occur.
Official Statements
Tournament representatives confirmed enhanced security procedures were in place for the event and that the match schedule was adjusted accordingly to ensure safety and order.
Tournament officials
Unconfirmed
- Whether Rolex directly arranged the specific invitation and seating for the guest has not been publicly detailed.
- Exact security measures and the agencies involved have not been fully disclosed.
- A comprehensive breakdown of crowd sentiment across the entire stadium is not available from on-air footage alone.
Bottom Line
The appearance of a former president at a major sporting final highlighted the logistical strain that VIP political attendance can place on live events. Organizers face a trade-off between honoring sponsors’ hospitality and preserving the schedule and spectator experience; similar incidents may prompt clearer protocols for future high-profile guests.