Martina Navratilova expressed her frustration Sunday afternoon when she arrived at Arthur Ashe Stadium for the men’s singles final. With the stadium less than half full at 2 p.m., she noted long lines and a slow entry process as the US Open staff worked security checks linked to a special guest, the US President, Donald Trump.
Why Was Martina Navratilova Frustrated Over Donald Trump’s Presence?
President Donald Trump’s attendance at the US Open men’s final required extra security protocols that significantly impacted fan entry. The United States Tennis Association announced the match would start at 2:30 p.m. ET instead of the original 2:00 p.m. schedule “to ensure that fans have additional time to get to their seats.”
Secret Service agents conducted thorough bag inspections and guided attendees through metal detectors before the championship match. These enhanced security measures created long queues outside Arthur Ashe Stadium, leaving many seats empty even after the original start time.
Trump made his entrance at 1:45 p.m., waving to attendees from outside the Rolex suite before returning inside. Tennis champion Navratilova was present at the stadium and shared an image showing the reality of the security delays. She posted a picture of the half-empty stadium at 2:00 p.m., the original scheduled start time, with the caption: “It’s 14:00 and more than half empty, only one way to get in.”
It’s 14:00 and more than half empty, only one way to get in. Thank you trump!!! pic.twitter.com/FQt111nfoV
— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) September 7, 2025
Navratilova also shared photos of long queues of fans waiting outside the venue due to the security delays. Her posts highlighted how the additional security measures affected regular ticket holders trying to enter Arthur Ashe Stadium.
This is the outside right now pic.twitter.com/uKMBWpULAx
— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) September 7, 2025
Broadcasting Guidelines and Tournament Coverage
The USTA sent an email to broadcasters before the match stating: “With respect to Broadcast Coverage, the President will be shown on the World Feed and the Ashe Court Feed during the opening anthem ceremony. We ask all broadcasters to refrain from showcasing any disruptions or reactions in response to the President’s attendance in any capacity, including ENG coverage.”
Following this memo, Navratilova simply wrote, “Nobody told me:)” on social media.
The 68-year-old also shared a picture of scores of spectators standing outside the Arthur Asje stadium, waiting to enter.
This is the outside right now pic.twitter.com/uKMBWpULAx
— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) September 7, 2025
USTA spokesperson Brendan McIntyre explained that the organization “routinely ask our broadcasters to avoid highlighting off-court disruptions.” ESPN, which broadcast the final on ABC, planned to acknowledge Trump’s presence as it normally does during sporting events.
President Donald Trump has arrived for the US Open final between Sinner and Alcaraz pic.twitter.com/6IfakQFn6O
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 7, 2025
This marks Trump’s first US Open appearance since 2015, when he watched the quarterfinal match between Venus and Serena Williams.
