President Donald Trump is set to attend the men’s singles final of the US Open on Sunday(September 7), the US Tennis Association confirmed, marking a high-profile presence at a tournament that has drawn a long list of Hollywood and sports celebrities with predominantly left-leaning political views. Spanish tennis star and world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz, who will face Italy’s Jannik Sinner in the championship match, said it would be an honor to compete in front of the US president.
“It is a privilege for the tournaments having the presidents from every country [there] to support the tournaments, to support tennis, and to support the match,” Alcaraz said.
“I think attending the tennis match, I think it’s great for tennis to have the president into the final,” he added.
The US Open has once again attracted a star-studded guest list this summer, with several notable attendees known for their outspoken political views.
Simone Biles
Seven-time Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles was on hand for Coco Gauff’s second-round victory. Her appearance followed months of social media sparring with OutKick host Riley Gaines over the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports. Gaines had criticized a Minnesota high school softball team for winning a state championship with a transgender pitcher on its roster.
"All of this campaigning because you lost a race. Straight up sore loser," Biles wrote to Gaines, who competed against trans swimmer Lia Thomas in 2022. "You should be uplifting the trans community and perhaps finding a way to make sports inclusive OR creating a new avenue where trans feel safe in sports. Maybe a transgender category IN ALL sports!! But instead… You bully them… One things for sure is no one in sports is safe with you around!!!!!"
In a separate post, Biles added, “Bully someone your own size, which would ironically be a male.” Gaines later criticized Biles’ remarks as body-shaming and announced she was expecting her first child.
Alec Baldwin
Actor Alec Baldwin also attended the tournament. Just last month, Baldwin criticized Trump on social media, calling his reported influence over Washington, DC’s police department “insane” and warning that other cities and even sports leagues could face similar moves.
Stephen Colbert
Late-night host Stephen Colbert also made an appearance. During his show last week, Colbert reacted to Trump’s comments labeling Chicago “the worst and most dangerous city.”
"Yesterday, Donald Trump made a hard right onto the fascism freeway, announcing that he will deploy National Guard troops to Chicago," Colbert said during his monologue. "Worst and most dangerous? Two words: "F--- you!" Colbert said after reading Trump's post.
Colbert also told Trump to “go f--- yourself” in July after the president celebrated the cancellation of his show.
Shonda Rhimes
Shonda Rhimes, the creator of hit television dramas such as Scandal and Grey’s Anatomy, was another star seen in the stands. Earlier this year, she cut ties with the Kennedy Center after Trump was named chairman of the performing arts institution.
According to OutKick website, the USTA even tracks celebrity attendance to measure its promotional value. “They track every person that comes on site. What they are posting, who they are tagging, who they are coming with. Then we are able to get a value of what the program is worth to us.”
The men’s final is consistently the most in-demand ticket, and this year, Trump’s attendance has only heightened the stakes.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, a USTA spokesperson explained how invitations work.
“Regardless of political affiliation, the USTA does not invite any NY city or state politicians unless they have a formal role at the event (in prior years, the mayor greeted the crowd on opening night).
“As federal employees are limited in what they can accept, we offer those who ask the opportunity to purchase tickets. Additionally, individuals may be the invited guests of someone else (sponsors, seat holders, etc.), over which we have no control.”
The championship between Alcaraz and Sinner is scheduled to begin Sunday at 2 pm ET.
“It is a privilege for the tournaments having the presidents from every country [there] to support the tournaments, to support tennis, and to support the match,” Alcaraz said.
“I think attending the tennis match, I think it’s great for tennis to have the president into the final,” he added.
Trump critics in the stands
The US Open has once again attracted a star-studded guest list this summer, with several notable attendees known for their outspoken political views.
Simone Biles
Seven-time Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles was on hand for Coco Gauff’s second-round victory. Her appearance followed months of social media sparring with OutKick host Riley Gaines over the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports. Gaines had criticized a Minnesota high school softball team for winning a state championship with a transgender pitcher on its roster.
"All of this campaigning because you lost a race. Straight up sore loser," Biles wrote to Gaines, who competed against trans swimmer Lia Thomas in 2022. "You should be uplifting the trans community and perhaps finding a way to make sports inclusive OR creating a new avenue where trans feel safe in sports. Maybe a transgender category IN ALL sports!! But instead… You bully them… One things for sure is no one in sports is safe with you around!!!!!"
In a separate post, Biles added, “Bully someone your own size, which would ironically be a male.” Gaines later criticized Biles’ remarks as body-shaming and announced she was expecting her first child.
Alec Baldwin
Actor Alec Baldwin also attended the tournament. Just last month, Baldwin criticized Trump on social media, calling his reported influence over Washington, DC’s police department “insane” and warning that other cities and even sports leagues could face similar moves.
Stephen Colbert
Late-night host Stephen Colbert also made an appearance. During his show last week, Colbert reacted to Trump’s comments labeling Chicago “the worst and most dangerous city.”
"Yesterday, Donald Trump made a hard right onto the fascism freeway, announcing that he will deploy National Guard troops to Chicago," Colbert said during his monologue. "Worst and most dangerous? Two words: "F--- you!" Colbert said after reading Trump's post.
Colbert also told Trump to “go f--- yourself” in July after the president celebrated the cancellation of his show.
Shonda Rhimes
Shonda Rhimes, the creator of hit television dramas such as Scandal and Grey’s Anatomy, was another star seen in the stands. Earlier this year, she cut ties with the Kennedy Center after Trump was named chairman of the performing arts institution.
The men’s final is consistently the most in-demand ticket, and this year, Trump’s attendance has only heightened the stakes.
USTA clarifies invitation policy
In a statement to Fox News Digital, a USTA spokesperson explained how invitations work.
“Regardless of political affiliation, the USTA does not invite any NY city or state politicians unless they have a formal role at the event (in prior years, the mayor greeted the crowd on opening night).
“As federal employees are limited in what they can accept, we offer those who ask the opportunity to purchase tickets. Additionally, individuals may be the invited guests of someone else (sponsors, seat holders, etc.), over which we have no control.”
The championship between Alcaraz and Sinner is scheduled to begin Sunday at 2 pm ET.
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