The United States Tennis Association has sent instructions to broadcasters asking them to avoid airing any audience reactions to President Donald Trump’s presence at the US Open. The guidance specifically targets negative or disruptive responses from spectators.
According to an email obtained by tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg, the USTA stated Trump would appear on the World Feed and Ashe Court Feed during the national anthem. Broadcasters were requested to exclude footage of any booing, jeering, or other disruptions.
The instruction appears to be a precaution following Trump’s last appearance at the US Open in 2015. During that event, then-presidential candidate Trump was loudly booed while watching a quarterfinal match between Venus and Serena Williams, creating a widely publicized scene.
Last time Donald Trump attended the US Open in 2015 pic.twitter.com/FNVxafoY64
— asud (@asud683385) September 6, 2025
Trump, who is now 79 years old, is expected to watch the final match between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz from a suite provided by Rolex. The Swiss luxury watchmaker is a sponsor of the event and hosts the president in its suite at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
A source at ESPN, who requested anonymity, told the Daily Beast that the network plans to cover the final like any other sporting event. They confirmed there would be no planned changes to the broadcast despite Trump’s attendance.
In the attachments to the USTA email, the organization included a section labeled “talking points and additional facts regarding the President’s visit.” The only item listed was that Trump would watch the US Open final as a guest of the sponsor, Rolex.
On September 8, 2015, Donald Trump attended the US Open to watch Serena Williams play against her sister Venus Williams. Photo by Carlo Allegri/REUTERS.
Trump imposed a 39 percent tariff on all Swiss imports, including luxury watches, on August 7. The measure has drawn criticism from the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry, which described the tariffs as a threat to the entire Swiss economy.
The Swiss government is currently negotiating with the Trump administration to reduce the tariffs. Any change could impact the price of imported watches in the U.S., which remains the largest market for Swiss luxury timepieces.
Live sporting events, including the US Open, are always subject to unexpected crowd reactions, which broadcasters cannot fully control. Disruptions, cheers, and protests are common and can occur without warning during matches.
In 2023, climate protestors from the Extinction Rebellion movement interrupted a semifinal match between Karolina Muchova and Coco Gauff. The activists glued their feet to the court floor, halting the match for nearly an hour while security removed them from the stadium.
Trump has a history of attending the US Open, dating back decades. Images show him eating during matches in 1989, and he attended the 2015 event as a presidential candidate. The public response has often been mixed, reflecting divided opinion among fans.
The USTA’s instructions may also aim to reduce media focus on any negative political reactions. Officials are aware that showing booing or protests on live television could attract national attention and influence public perception of the president.
Despite these guidelines, some media outlets are likely to continue coverage that reflects normal crowd behavior. Sports broadcasting standards prioritize showing the live atmosphere of events, which includes audience reactions as part of the story.
Rolex’s sponsorship of Trump’s suite highlights the connection between luxury brands and high-profile public figures. The company’s support comes at a time when U.S. tariffs on Swiss imports have complicated business relations, adding another layer of attention to the event.
The Daily Beast reached out to the USTA for comment but received no official response as of publication. It remains unclear whether broadcasters will strictly follow the instructions or provide viewers with a full account of the audience’s reactions.
This event emphasizes the complex intersection of sports, politics, and media coverage. The presence of a sitting president at a major tournament raises questions about how networks balance live reporting with official requests from organizing bodies.
Spectators at the US Open continue to expect a full experience of the match, including the atmosphere created by crowd reactions. Removing visible audience feedback could alter the viewing experience and provoke further discussion about media transparency.
Trump’s attendance at the US Open Men’s Singles Final also draws attention because of his controversial political record. Media and public scrutiny of his appearances at high-profile events remains high, prompting careful planning by event organizers.
In the past, crowd reactions to prominent figures have become major news stories themselves. The 2015 boos aimed at Trump were replayed widely, demonstrating the media’s interest in how audiences respond to political figures in sporting settings.
The upcoming final between Sinner and Alcaraz is expected to draw large attendance. While the focus should be on tennis, the presence of the president, along with media guidelines, ensures that political coverage will inevitably intersect with sports reporting.
The USTA’s approach highlights the challenges of managing live event broadcasts. Organizers must balance the interests of sponsors, participants, and viewers while considering potential disruptions, public reactions, and political sensitivities.
Audience reactions are part of the energy of live sports. Any attempt to censor or restrict coverage of the crowd may generate debate about transparency and fairness in reporting live events for television and streaming audiences.
As the US Open continues, all eyes will remain on the court and in the stands. The final will not only test the players’ skill but also reveal how networks handle coverage of a politically sensitive audience moment.
