TV outlets broadcasting the US Open were told not to air any boos or cheers for President Trump during his attendance at the men’s singles final in New York City on Sunday.
The United States Tennis Association, which hosts the US Open, blasted out a missive to broadcasters, telling them to censor “distractions” from Trump’s attendance.
“With respect to Broadcast Coverage, the President will be shown on the World Feed and the Ashe Court Feed during the opening anthem ceremony,” an email from the USTA first reported by Bounces said.
TV outlets have been asked to censor “distractions” related to President Trump’s appearance at the US Open final on Sunday. Annie Wermiel/NY Post
Donald and Melania Trump at the US Open in 2015. Anthony J. Causi / New York Post“We ask all broadcasters to refrain from showcasing any disruptions or reactions in response to the President’s attendance in any capacity, including ENG [Electronic News Gathering] coverage.”
Disney-owned ESPN broadcasts the US Open in the United States.
The move comes about a decade after Trump attended the US Open in 2015 and faced a chorus of boos. Trump hasn’t attended a US Open since.
Sunday’s US Open featured a showdown between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, with Alcaraz winning the famed event.
Security measures are in place at the US Open Tennis Tournament ahead of President Donald Trump’s arrival. NY Post/Annie WermielThe USTA has said that it “regularly” asks its “broadcasters to refrain from showcasing off-court disruptions.”
Trump, 79, who has frequented high-profile sporting events such as the Super Bowl during his second term in the White House, was invited to the feted event as a guest of Rolex, the luxury watch brand that sponsors the US Open.
The Swiss-based firm is facing a 39% tariff on its legendary watches exported to the US.
Carlos Alcaraz, who is set to face Jannik Sinner in the men’s final, said it’s a “privilege” to have the US president in attendance for the match. Jason Szenes for New York PostFollowing the US Open, Trump was rumored to be attending the New York Yankees versus Detroit Tigers game at Yankee Stadium on Sept. 11, while marking the 24th anniversary of the terrorist attacks.
The president also said that he will venture back into the Empire State and attend the first day of the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black on Long Island on Sept. 26.
Next year, Trump is planning to host a UFC cage match on the White House South Lawn as part of the festivities for the 250th anniversary of the country’s founding.
Some of his appearances at sporting events have faced controversy, with supporters being concerned that broadcasters didn’t give him enough attention, while critics have alleged that some of the boos against him were edited out.
Alcaraz, a Spanish tennis player, has expressed gratitude that the president will support the tournament.
“It is a privilege for the tournaments having the president from every country,” he told reporters, “to support the tournament, to support tennis, and to support the match.”
“‘For me, playing in front of him… to be honest, I will try not to think about it. I don’t want… to be nervous because of it,” he added. “It’s great for tennis to have the president into the final.”
