Thousands of tennis fans found themselves in long queues for over an hour during U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to the US Open final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Invited to the event by Rolex, Trump was accompanied by cabinet members and family in a suite next to the championship trophy.
He arrived more than an hour before the match’s scheduled start, but the heightened security for his visit created significant delays for spectators. As a result, many ticket holders trickled into their seats long after play had already begun. Hours later, frustrated fans took to social media to voice their anger, with some even demanding refunds for the missed action.
How Did Fans React to the Delays at the Carlos Alcaraz-Jannik Sinner Final?
Security was extremely stringent for the occasion, which led to delays for fans. The U.S. Secret Service and other federal officers conducted thorough bag checks and directed all spectators through metal detectors. Initially scheduled for a 2 p.m. ET start, the match began nearly 30 minutes late.
In fact, Arthur Ashe Stadium, which is usually packed to capacity before the first serve, remained far from full even 45 minutes into the match. By that point, Alcaraz had already secured the first set 6-2 and was in firm control of the final.
Thousands of people stuck outside Arthur Ashe Stadium waiting to get through security.
Imagine paying $$$$ for a ticket to this final and spending the first set (at least?) standing outside shuffling forwards.#USOpen
— James Gray (@jamesgraysport) September 7, 2025
Although the stadium did eventually fill up, fans who had paid at least $700 for their tickets missed a crucial part of the championship match. Many used X, formerly known as Twitter, to express their frustration. One fan openly questioned whether the tournament would issue refunds for the time missed.
“I hope the @usopen is gonna refund everyone they’re forcing to miss the match that they paid to see (just to give trump a photo op lmao)”
I hope the @usopen is gonna refund everyone they’re forcing to miss the match that they paid to see (just to give trump a photo op lmao) https://t.co/O1fLaWGp9J
— Dj (@DjsokeSpeaking) September 7, 2025
“Plus you know those are the people that actually paid for those tickets. The lower stands are mostly for sponsors, celebrities, etc,” another said.
Others focused their criticism on the event’s organizers. “Why didn’t they open the gates way earlier & communicate properly with people? So unfair to real tennis fans. @usopen,” one commented.
Another fan noted that, beyond Trump’s visit, the design of Arthur Ashe Stadium often complicates entry. “Trump aside, Arthur Ashe is poorly designed. They are renovating with this exact problem in mind. Not as extreme, but getting in is always a pain.”
Trump aside, Arthur Ashe is poorly designed. They are renovating with this exact problem in mind. Not as extreme, but getting in is always a pain
— Honest Coach (@JoePatagaio) September 7, 2025
“I would be absolutely LIVID. I’m cross enough waiting for it to start on TV,” a fan weighed in.
One person questioned whether earlier communication could have prevented the issue, noting that Trump’s visit was not a surprise. “I do wonder if they sent emails telling people to get there early. I heard President Trump was planning to be in the finals days ago. I don’t think it was a last minute decision,” they said.
“Meanwhile this was the only match on the schedule today. You’re telling me doors couldn’t open earlier. This could have been handled better,” another chimed in.
While fans voiced their anger, the USTA stated it had attempted to ease congestion by advising early arrival and the use of public transportation. A Secret Service spokesperson also acknowledged the inconvenience and thanked spectators for their patience.
Alcaraz Defeats Sinner to Capture His Second US Open Title
While the off-court controversy drew significant attention, the on-court action was dominated by Carlos Alcaraz. After dropping the second set 3-6, he bounced back strongly to win the next two sets 6-1, 6-4, and secure his second US Open title.
The world’s best, once more. @carlosalcaraz returns to World No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings 🗣️@usopen | #USOpen pic.twitter.com/YT4JCxQ5Xg
— ATP Tour (@atptour) September 7, 2025
The Spaniard was dominant throughout the match, consistently staying a step ahead of his Italian rival. He hit 42 winners compared to Sinner’s 21 and was broken just once in the two-hour, 42-minute contest. With the victory, Alcaraz extended his head-to-head lead over Sinner to 10-5.
Capping off an extraordinary week, Alcaraz also returned to the top of the ATP rankings. The win ended Sinner’s 65-week reign at number one and earned Alcaraz his sixth career Grand Slam title.
