The 2024 US Open final was packed with excitement, drama, and star power as Carlos Alcaraz defeated Jannik Sinner in a thrilling four-set match. But while the young champion celebrated his sixth Grand Slam victory, much of the spotlight shifted to former U.S. President Donald Trump — whose behavior during the event stirred strong reactions.
Tennis icon Martina Navratilova publicly called out Trump for what she described as a lack of sportsmanship, pointing to his refusal to applaud after the final point. Her comments quickly gained attention online, sparking fresh debates about Trump’s presence at major sporting events.
In front of a buzzing crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Alcaraz overcame Sinner with a score of 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4. The match was briefly delayed for security reasons following Trump’s arrival — a moment that highlighted just how polarizing his presence continues to be.
As the former president walked into the stadium, fans responded with a mix of cheers and boos. Trump became the first U.S. president since Bill Clinton in 2000 to attend the tournament, adding an extra layer of intrigue to an already star-studded evening.
The stands were filled with global celebrities, including Pep Guardiola, Steph Curry, and Danny DeVito, making the atmosphere even more electric. Yet Trump’s appearance overshadowed much of the glitz, especially when his image appeared on the big screen during the national anthem — prompting some spectators to boo.
Following the match, Navratilova didn’t hold back. Writing on X (formerly Twitter), the 18-time Grand Slam champion observed:
Her post referenced the moment when Springsteen’s hit song played inside the stadium, drawing loud cheers from the audience. Given Springsteen’s history of openly criticizing Trump’s political views, the scene added an ironic twist to the night’s drama.
While Carlos Alcaraz continues to dominate the sport with youthful energy and talent, the attention on Trump’s behavior shows how politics and sports often collide on the world stage. For fans, the US Open final will be remembered not just for Alcaraz’s brilliance, but also for the fiery discussion it sparked about respect, rivalry, and public perception.
