New York, September 8(HS): The men’s singles final of the US Open between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner was delayed on Sunday after heightened security measures for President Donald Trump’s attendance caused long queues and empty seats inside Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The match, originally scheduled for 2 p.m., began nearly an hour late as thousands of spectators waited outside in lines that stretched for more than an hour. Federal agents and Secret Service officers implemented enhanced screening, leading to fan frustration and vocal complaints. “One hundred per cent him. Very selfish,” said Kevin, a Brooklyn resident stuck in line for over an hour. Others expressed anger over high ticket costs and lost viewing time.

Inside the arena, Trump was greeted with a mixed chorus of cheers and boos when shown on the jumbotron. While some fans blamed him for disrupting the event, others defended his right to attend. The president, a frequent attendee of major sporting events, had similarly drawn divided reactions at the Super Bowl and mixed martial arts bouts earlier this year.

The United States Tennis Association acknowledged the extended checks but did not immediately comment on the disruption. A Secret Service spokesperson thanked attendees for their patience, noting that such measures are standard for any presidential appearance.

By the second set, Arthur Ashe Stadium was nearly full, and Alcaraz went on to defeat Sinner to claim his second US Open championship in what was their third Grand Slam final meeting this year.

Resale tickets for the final had ranged from several hundred to more than $20,000, magnifying frustrations for those delayed outside. Despite the political overtones of Trump’s presence, the crowd eventually settled into what became another memorable battle between tennis’s brightest young rivals.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar