Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Donald Trump, US Open, Carlos Alcaraz
Josh Lawless
Donald Trump's appearance caused chaos at the US Open final, causing the match between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner to be delayed.
The two best tennis players in the world renew their rivalry with a 15th meeting at the Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sunday, with the match initially due to get going at around 2pm New York time and 7pm in the UK.
However, early into Sky Sports' coverage it was confirmed that the start time had been pushed back.
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The United States Tennis Association confirmed that because president Trump was in attendance, security measures had been ramped up - causing additional outside queues and long delays as a result.
A statement said: “As as result of the security measures in place, and to ensure that fans have additional time to get to their seats, we have pushed the start time of today's match to 2:30 p.m. ET.”
Both Alcaraz and Sinner's preparations have been affected severely as they face waiting more than 30 minutes to get onto the court following warm-ups, while there are still large crowds yet to enter the stadium and many attendees unaware of what was happening.
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Said to have been invited by sponsor Rolex, Trump flew in on Air Force from the White House and arrived at LaGuardia airport on Sunday morning.
He is poised to watch the showpiece from a private suite at Flushing Meadows and his presence resulted in TSA, airport-style security measures as bag checks were ramped up.
In his last appearance at the US Open, Trump was loudly booed in 2015 in the midst of his first presidential election campaign.
He flashed up on the screen when the national anthem was belted out out and saluted the fans in attendance.
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Beforehand, the United States Tennis Association sent an email to broadcasters included Sky Sports and requested that coverage "refrain from showcasing any disruptions or reactions in response to the President’s attendance in any capacity”.
Although it wasn't something he was thinking about too much, Alcaraz said "it’s great for tennis to have the president at the final" when asked about playing in front of Trump.
A regular at UFC events, Trump was at the Club World Cup final between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain at the MetLife Stadium - infamously remaining part of the Blues' historic trophy lift.