It’s been a decade since Donald Trump last attended the US Open, and his return this Sunday promises to be just as controversial as ever.
The former president will be in the stands for the men’s singles final between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, sparking a flurry of concern about how broadcasters will handle reactions to his presence.
Broadcasters Given Strict Instructions
According to reports, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) has sent explicit instructions to broadcasters, including Sky Sports in the UK, to avoid showing any protests, boos, or reactions to Trump.
An email obtained by Daily Mail Sport stated that the president “will be shown on the World Feed and the Ashe Court Feed during the opening anthem ceremony” and that “all broadcasters are asked to refrain from showcasing any disruptions or reactions in response to the President’s attendance in any capacity.”
A History of Loud Reactions
Trump’s 2015 visit to the US Open was far from quiet — he was met with a chorus of boos in largely Democratic New York.
More recently, claims emerged that broadcasters edited out boos during his appearance at the Super Bowl earlier this year.
While live coverage may be controlled, the ubiquity of smartphones means fans are likely to capture the reactions anyway.
How Fans Will Tell the Story
Even if television coverage is carefully managed, mobile phone footage from inside the stadium is expected to show the real atmosphere.
Social media is almost guaranteed to be buzzing with unfiltered reactions, giving the public a front-row seat to both the tennis and the political drama unfolding in Flushing Meadows.
A Delicate Balance
For broadcasters, it’s a tricky situation: provide seamless sports coverage while navigating the sensitivities of a high-profile political figure.
For fans, it’s shaping up to be a US Open final that will be remembered as much for the off-court drama as the on-court action.