The tennis world is buzzing with anticipation as Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner prepare to write another chapter in their electrifying rivalry at the 2025 US Open men’s singles final. But this year’s showdown at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York City comes with an extra layer of intrigue: the presence of United States President Donald Trump, who is set to attend the match on Sunday, September 7.
For fans and players alike, the stakes could hardly be higher. Alcaraz, the Spanish sensation and current world No. 2, earned his spot in the final with a commanding victory over Novak Djokovic, dispatching the tennis legend in straight sets—6-4, 7-6 (4), 6-2—on Friday, September 5. His opponent, Italy’s top-ranked Jannik Sinner, advanced from the other side of the draw, ensuring a blockbuster contest between two of the sport’s brightest stars.
This isn’t just any final. The Alcaraz-Sinner rivalry has quickly become the stuff of legend, with each player claiming major victories over the other in recent months. Earlier this year, Alcaraz staged a dramatic comeback to win the French Open in five sets, only for Sinner to exact revenge at Wimbledon, clinching the trophy in a performance that left fans breathless. Their last meeting at the Cincinnati Open final was cut short when Sinner fell ill, but the competitive fire between these two is undeniable. Heading into Sunday’s match, Alcaraz holds a 9-5 lead in their head-to-head record—a statistic that only adds fuel to the fire.
Yet, as the tennis world focuses on what promises to be a classic battle on the court, much of the media attention has shifted to the stands. That’s because President Trump’s scheduled appearance marks the first time in 25 years that a sitting US president will attend the US Open, the last being President Bill Clinton back in 2000. Trump’s interest in high-profile sporting events is well documented—he attended this year’s Super Bowl in New Orleans and has made sports a central part of his public persona, with further appearances planned at Yankee Stadium on September 11 and the Ryder Cup’s opening day at Bethpage later this month.
So how does Carlos Alcaraz, the man at the center of it all, feel about playing in front of the president? The 22-year-old Spaniard addressed the topic with characteristic poise in his post-match press conference after defeating Djokovic. "I think that it is a privilege for the tournaments having the president from every country just to support the tournament, to support tennis, and to support the match," Alcaraz said. "For me, playing in front of him... I will try not to think about it. I don’t want myself to be nervous because of it, but I think attending the tennis match, it’s great for tennis to have the president at the final." He added, "It’s great for tennis. But on Sunday, my job is to play my best tennis and not let anything else get in the way."
Alcaraz’s comments sparked a lively debate among fans and pundits online. Some praised his diplomatic approach, with one X (formerly Twitter) user remarking, "Carlos is too nice. He doesn’t need to be saying all these. Hope Trump gets booed by the crowd just like at the Super Bowl." Another fan took a more measured view: "He responded well. Let’s keep the focus on tennis and not politics." A third chimed in, "We should be well aware by now that asking tennis players their thoughts on political issues is an awful idea." Across social media, many agreed that Alcaraz’s response was nothing short of classy.
The tournament organizers, meanwhile, have been busy preparing for the high-profile guest. According to an email sent to media outlets, security protocols are being heightened in anticipation of Trump’s arrival for the Sinner-Alcaraz clash. The Trump Organization, it’s worth noting, once maintained a suite adjacent to the broadcast booth at the US Open up until 2017, making the president’s return to Arthur Ashe Stadium something of a homecoming.
Trump’s attendance also draws a sharp contrast to other presidential visits in recent years. Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama made an appearance on opening night of the US Open in 2023, but Trump’s presence as a sitting president is a rarity. The last time a sitting US president watched a US Open final was a quarter-century ago, underscoring the significance of Sunday’s event both on and off the court.
For Sinner and Alcaraz, the focus remains squarely on tennis. Both players have battled through grueling matches and intense pressure to reach this stage, and their rivalry has elevated the men’s game to new heights. The final is set for 2:00 p.m. EST, with tennis fans around the globe eagerly awaiting another epic encounter. Will Alcaraz extend his head-to-head advantage, or will Sinner notch back-to-back Grand Slam wins after his Wimbledon triumph?
Adding to the drama, the presence of Trump has led to heightened security and a flurry of media attention. The United States Tennis Association confirmed that Trump will be a guest in a corporate suite inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, and his attendance is expected to bring both excitement and controversy. With the world watching, the hope among many is that the spotlight remains on the players and the sport itself.
Alcaraz, for his part, seems determined not to let the occasion—or the distinguished audience—affect his performance. "For me, playing in front of him... to be honest, I will try not to think about it. I don't want myself to be nervous because of it," he reiterated. Yet, he also acknowledged the significance of the moment, stating, "Having the President at the final is great for tennis."
As the hours tick down to the first serve, anticipation is at fever pitch. The Sinner-Alcaraz rivalry has already delivered some of the most memorable matches in recent tennis history, and with the eyes of the world—and the president—on Arthur Ashe Stadium, Sunday’s final promises to be another instant classic.
Regardless of the outcome, one thing is certain: the 2025 US Open men’s final will be remembered not only for the quality of tennis on display but also for the unique confluence of sport and politics. With both players at the top of their game and the added spectacle of a presidential visit, this is one match fans won’t want to miss.
Stay tuned as Alcaraz and Sinner prepare to take center stage, with history—and perhaps a few surprises—waiting in the wings.