The US Open final had no shortage of drama—both on and off the court. Carlos Alcaraz defeated defending champion Jannik Sinner in four sets to secure yet another Grand Slam title, but it wasn’t just the tennis that kept fans talking.
Among the high-profile attendees at Flushing Meadows was U.S. President Donald Trump, whose presence sparked a mix of applause, boos, and plenty of debate.
Security was tightened for the match, causing a 30-minute delay before play began. When Trump finally entered Arthur Ashe Stadium, cameras captured the divided crowd reaction, marking the first time a sitting president had attended the tournament since Bill Clinton in 2000.
The atmosphere grew even more charged when Trump appeared on the big screen during the national anthem, drawing another wave of jeers from sections of the audience.
Alongside Trump, the star-studded crowd included Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, NBA icon Steph Curry, and Hollywood veteran Danny DeVito. The spotlight, however, shifted back to Trump after the final point was played—when one tennis legend noticed something that stirred controversy.
Eighteen-time Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova, watching closely, accused Trump of jealousy for refusing to clap during Alcaraz’s victory celebration. Taking to social media, the 68-year-old tennis great wrote: “Never saw Trump clap. Not once. He is so jealous!!! And when the whole place erupted, clapping for Bruce Springsteen while playing Born in the USA it was magical!!!”
Springsteen’s anthem, often critical of American politics and a symbol of resistance during Trump’s presidency, only fueled the moment further. Navratilova’s remarks quickly gained traction, with many fans debating whether Trump’s silence was a deliberate snub or simply an oversight.
Adding to the spectacle, footage also surfaced of Trump signing red “Make America Great Again” hats for supporters inside the venue. American diplomat Monica Crowley praised the moment on X, writing: “There will never be another like him,” to which Navratilova sharply responded: “Here is hoping.”
This isn’t the first time Trump has used major sporting events to make headlines. In July, he was seen celebrating with Chelsea after their FIFA Club World Cup victory in New Jersey, even stepping onto the podium before FIFA president Gianni Infantino asked him to move aside.
With the 2026 World Cup coming to the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, Trump seems poised to remain a regular presence at global sporting spectacles—though whether he’ll clap for the winners remains to be seen.