Donald Trump was present when Carlos Alcaraz claimed victory over Jannik Sinner at the US Open.
Martina Navratilova, a renowned name in tennis with 18 Grand Slam titles, didn’t hold back her words about President Donald Trump’s actions at the US Open finale, suggesting they stemmed from envy.
Donald Trump attended the finals at Flushing Meadows, witnessing Carlos Alcaraz’s fine performance as he overcame Jannik Sinner, the 2024 defending champion. With a score of 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4, Alcaraz clinched his sixth Grand Slam win.
Security measures were heightened with Trump’s presence, causing a half-hour delay in the match’s commencement. The atmosphere in Arthur Ashe Stadium was mixed when the President made his entrance, with both boos and cheers filling the air.
It’s noteworthy that Trump became the first sitting U.S. president to grace this event since Bill Clinton in 2000.
The commencement festivities included the playing of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’, during which Trump, appearing on the stadium’s big screen, received a mixed response, with some participants choosing to jeer.
Among the attendees were celebrities like Pep Guardiola, Manchester City’s head coach, NBA sensation Steph Curry, and famed actor Danny DeVito.
Before the tournament, Alcaraz shared his thoughts, stating that having the backing of global leaders was a “privilege” and praised it as beneficial for the sport.
However, the presence of Trump did not sit well with everyone. Martina Navratilova, who once dominated as the top-ranked women’s singles player, expressed her disapproval, especially noting Trump’s lack of applause post-Alcaraz’s triumph.
Navratilova took to X and 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!!!”
Bruce Springsteen, the singer, has been forthright in his criticism of Trump’s administration, often critiquing the political climate during his shows.
A video surfaced showing Trump autographing red hats emblazoned with ‘Make America Great Again’. Former diplomat Monica Crowley commented on the post with admiration, to which Navratilova replied cheekily: “Here is hoping.”
Recently, Trump appears to be leveraging major sports events to bolster his image, such as his presence at Chelsea’s celebration after the team triumphed over Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Club World Cup final in New Jersey this past July.
In that instance, Trump was not just a spectator but was also invited onto the podium with Captain Reece James during the trophy’s presentation, until FIFA’s Gianni Infantino suggested the 79-year-old president step aside.
With the upcoming World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada next year, it seems highly likely that Trump will again be at the forefront of such glamorous events.
