In a moment that transcended sport, former US President Donald Trump became the centre of attention during the US Open men's final on Sunday, meeting a wave of vocal disapproval from the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd.
The 45th president's arrival in his courtside seat prompted an immediate and sustained chorus of boos that echoed throughout the iconic New York tennis venue. The reception created an electrifying atmosphere that momentarily overshadowed the championship match between Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka.
A Stark Contrast to Royal Reception
The vocal disapproval stood in stark contrast to the crowd's reaction just days earlier when Catherine, Princess of Wales, attended the tournament. Where the royal received warm applause, Trump was met with overwhelming negativity, highlighting the polarising nature of his presence at the prestigious sporting event.
Despite the hostile reception, Trump remained characteristically defiant, occasionally waving to the crowd amid the jeers. His security detail maintained a visible presence throughout the match, underscoring the unusual nature of a political figure dominating attention at a major sporting final.
Tennis Community Reacts
The incident has sparked widespread discussion across the tennis world and beyond. Many spectators captured the moment on social media, with videos of the booing quickly going viral. The tournament organisers have yet to comment on the political spectacle that unfolded during their showcase event.
This appearance marks another chapter in Trump's relationship with the sporting world, where he has frequently been both a spectator and a subject of controversy. The US Open crowd's unambiguous reaction provides a telling snapshot of his current public standing in certain demographics.
As the tennis world processes this extraordinary incident, questions remain about the appropriate place of political figures at sporting events and how organisations should handle such potentially divisive appearances in the future.
