Reports: USTA asks U.S. Open broadcasters to censor crowd reactions to Trump

Field Level Media|published: Sat 6th September, 21:47 2025

Sep 4, 2017; New York, NY, USA; A general view as an American flag waves in the wind over Arthur Ashe Stadium during the match between Roger Federer of Switzerland and Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany on day eight of the U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-Imagn Images

The United States Tennis Association asked U.S. Open broadcasters to censor any reaction or protest to President Donald Trump during his appearance at the men's singles final Sunday, according to reports.

The USTA reportedly sent a memo to broadcasters, saying that Trump will be shown on tournament feeds during the opening anthem ceremony. Broadcasters were also asked in the memo to "refrain from showcasing any disruptions or reactions in response to the president's attendance in any capacity."

The president planned to watch the match from a sponsor's suite, according to the memo.

"We regularly ask our broadcasters to refrain from showcasing off-court disruptions," USTA spokesman Brendan McIntyre told The Athletic.

ESPN, which declined official comment on Saturday, is reportedly planning to show and acknowledge Trump as it normally would during sporting events.

Trump last appeared at the U.S. Open in 2015. The crowd booed the then-presidential candidate during a quarterfinal match between sisters Venus and Serena Williams.

The men's singles final will feature Italy's Jannik Sinner taking on Spain's Carlos Alcaraz. The No. 1-ranked Sinner is looking to become the first men's player to defend the U.S. Open title since Roger Federer won five straight from 2004-08. Alcaraz, ranked No. 2, last won the tournament in 2022.

--Field Level Media