The men's final at the U.S. Open was delayed Sunday after tournament officials imposed heightened security measures ahead of President Donald Trump's arrival in New York.
Organizers announced the match between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner would be pushed back from its scheduled 2 p.m. local start to 2:30 p.m. as people entering Arthur Ashe Arena were asked to empty pockets and pass through airport-style scanners, producing long lines and waits for hundreds of fans.
Tournament officials said the additional screening was put in place in anticipation of the president's arrival. Trump was seen arriving at LaGuardia Airport on Sunday after stepping off Air Force One; it was his first appearance at the U.S. Open since 2015. Organizers declined to provide a detailed public timeline of security movements but confirmed that access protocols had been altered and that fans were being processed through enhanced checkpoints.
The extra measures created congestion at gate entry points for Arthur Ashe Arena, one of the nation's largest tennis venues. Fans reported lengthy queues and searches of bags and clothing as stadium staff and security personnel worked to clear lines ahead of the rescheduled start time.
Presidential travel typically entails coordination between the Secret Service and local law enforcement and can require temporary adjustments to security procedures and public access around venues, authorities say. The U.S. Secret Service and the New York Police Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment on specific operational steps taken Sunday.
The match delay did not alter the identity of the finalists; reigning tennis schedules showed Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner slated to contest the men's title. Tournament public communications focused on safety and crowd processing, asking patrons to arrive earlier than usual and to cooperate with security screening.
Organizers have on past occasions adjusted timing and access points for marquee matches at Flushing Meadows when major public events or high-profile visits coincide with tournament play. The U.S. Open runs through the final weekend of its scheduled play, drawing large local and international crowds to a cluster of venues in Queens.
Officials said spectators who had cleared security would be admitted as quickly as processing allowed. The match start was set to move forward once entry lines were sufficiently cleared and the venue had completed its enhanced checks.