The Kaipher Editorial Team 
The United States Tennis Association requested broadcasters to censor any negative reactions to President Trump’s planned appearance at the US Open men’s final, according to internal correspondence obtained by tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg.
The directive, contained in an email sent to major broadcasters including ESPN and ABC, specifically stated: “We ask all broadcasters to refrain from showcasing any disruptions or reactions in response to the President’s attendance in any capacity, including ENG [Electronic News Gathering] coverage”.
Unprecedented Presidential Attendance Sparks Censorship Concerns
Trump’s attendance marks the first time a sitting president has visited the US Open in 25 years, with Bill Clinton being the last to attend in 2000. The president will watch Sunday’s championship match between world No. 1 Jannik Sinner and No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz from Rolex’s luxury suite at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
According to Rothenberg’s original reporting in his tennis newsletter “Bounces,” the USTA’s instruction appears designed to prevent a repeat of Trump’s 2015 appearance, when he was “boisterously booed” by the New York crowd during a quarterfinal match between Venus and Serena Williams.
The email obtained by Rothenberg also revealed that Trump will be prominently featured during the opening anthem ceremony on both the World Feed and Ashe Court Feed, a timing choice that coincides with naturally loud crowd noise that could mask any potential negative reactions.
Rolex’s Strategic Invitation Amid Trade Tensions
Trump’s invitation comes from Swiss luxury watchmaker Rolex, which operates a prominent suite inside Arthur Ashe Stadium. The timing is particularly noteworthy given Trump’s recent imposition of a 39% tariff on Swiss imports that took effect August 7, 2025. This tariff rate is more than double that imposed on European Union goods and nearly four times higher than British exports to the US.
Industry analysts suggest Rolex’s invitation may be an attempt to curry favor with the president regarding the punitive tariffs affecting Swiss luxury goods, including watches. The US represents the largest market for Swiss timepieces, making the tariff’s impact particularly significant for companies like Rolex.
Broadcasting Standards Under Scrutiny
In response to criticism about the censorship request, USTA spokesperson Brendan McIntyre told The Athletic: “We regularly ask our broadcasters to refrain from showcasing off-court disruptions”. However, the preemptive nature of the instruction targeting specifically political reactions has drawn scrutiny from media watchdogs and tennis journalists.
The tournament has implemented enhanced security measures for Sunday’s final, including TSA-style screening for all attendees entering Arthur Ashe Stadium and potential movement restrictions in public areas during the match. These measures reflect the heightened attention Trump’s appearance is expected to generate in the heavily Democratic borough of Queens.
