Former President Donald Trump is set to attend the men’s singles final at the US Open this Sunday, marking his first visit to the Grand Slam tennis event since 2015. The announcement comes nearly a decade after Trump, now 79, last watched the tournament in New York City, where he was famously greeted by six-time major champion John McEnroe.
A White House official confirmed that Trump, re-elected in 2024 for a second term, will be present at Flushing Meadows, the Queens borough venue that has been his birthplace and one of the most iconic settings in professional tennis. Though he had made several appearances before his first term in office, his visits ceased after 2015, coinciding with the start of his presidency in 2016.
During his previous attendance, Trump was accompanied by his wife, Melania, and took in the spectacle from the tournament’s hospitality area. At the time, the New York City native appeared in good spirits as he interacted with players and officials, creating memorable moments captured by media worldwide.
A Homecoming for the Former President
For Trump, attending the 2025 US Open is a return not only to professional tennis but also to his home city. Born in Queens, he has maintained a strong connection to New York, often attending major events and making public appearances in the city throughout his political career. The US Open, one of tennis’ four Grand Slam tournaments, holds a special significance given its location and prestige.
Despite his high-profile attendance, the men’s final will not feature any American players this year. Instead, the finalists will emerge from Friday’s semifinal matches: Serbia’s Novak Djokovic faces Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz in the first match, while Italy’s Jannik Sinner takes on Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime in the second. Both matches are expected to be fiercely competitive, offering a clash of some of the world’s top-ranked players.
Spectacle Over Nationality
Trump’s presence at the US Open final highlights the intersection of politics, sport, and celebrity. While American fans might have hoped for a home-grown contender in the final, the focus will shift to the spectacle itself, with Trump adding a layer of media attention that guarantees extensive coverage. His attendance is likely to draw significant press and social media commentary, given his well-documented history with both New York and high-profile sporting events.
Although Trump has not been directly involved in tennis since leaving the hospitality stands nearly a decade ago, his return coincides with a period of heightened interest in the tournament. The absence of American finalists may slightly temper fan expectations, but Trump’s attendance adds a unique storyline to the weekend.
The US Open and Political Pageantry
Over the years, the US Open has seen numerous celebrities and political figures attend the men’s and women’s finals, blending sport with high-profile societal figures. Trump’s 2025 visit underscores how the event continues to attract a diverse audience beyond traditional tennis fans, bridging worlds of sports, entertainment, and politics.
Trump’s choice to attend also aligns with his well-known tendency to appear at high-visibility events, particularly in his home city. While the players focus on the physical and mental demands of a Grand Slam final, the presence of a former president will ensure the event also resonates in wider cultural and political contexts.
For Djokovic, Alcaraz, Sinner, and Auger-Aliassime, the final represents the pinnacle of competition at the US Open, but for the wider audience, including Trump’s presence, the spectacle is about much more than just tennis. Fans, media, and political observers alike will watch closely as one of New York’s most famous residents witnesses the drama unfold.
The men’s final is scheduled to begin at 14:00 local time (19:00 BST) on Sunday, promising high-quality tennis and a memorable moment as Trump returns to Flushing Meadows after ten years away.
