Carlos Alcaraz Sparks Fan Backlash With Response to Donald Trump at US Open Final
Carlos Alcaraz has shared his thoughts on Donald Trump attending the US Open final, dividing fans online in the process.
Alcaraz beat Novak Djokovic in straight sets - 6-4, 7-6 (4), 6-2 - to reach the US Open final, setting up a mouth-watering showdown against rival Jannik Sinner.
The US Open final between Alcaraz and Sinner will be a repeat of this year's Wimbledon final, which was won by the Italian player.
Tennis fans are in store for another thriller as Sunday's clash promises to be an instant classic given their history and form.
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US president Trump is set to be in attendance as the United States Tennis Association said on Friday that he would be a guest in a corporate suit inside Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Speaking after his semi-final victory over Djokovic, Alcaraz was asked about Trump's proposed appearance at the US Open final.
The 22-year-old Spaniard said Trump being in New York for the match will be 'great for tennis'.
"I think that it is a privilege for the tournaments having the president from every country just to support the tournament, to support tennis, and to support the match," he explained.
"For me, playing in front of him... I will try not to think about it. I don’t want myself to be nervous because of it, but I think attending the tennis match, it’s great for tennis to have the president at the final."
Alcaraz added: "It’s great for tennis. But on Sunday, my job is to play my best tennis and not let anything else get in the way."
Needless to say, Alcaraz's answer on Trump's presence at the US Open final got fans online talking.
One X user wrote: "Carlos is too nice. He doesn’t need to be saying all these. Hope Trump gets booed by the crowd just like at the Super Bowl."
A second said: "He responded well. Let’s keep the focus on tennis and not politics."
A third argued: "We should be well aware by now that asking tennis players their thoughts on political issues is an awful idea."
It won't be Trump's first visit to a high-profile sporting fixture, having attended this year's Super Bowl in New Orleans.
Topics: Donald Trump, Carlos Alcaraz, Tennis, Fan Reactions
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