Carlos Alcaraz wins US Open as pundit Laura Robson appears to flout USTA rule on Trump coverage

Carlos Alcaraz defeated Jannik Sinner 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 to win the US Open men's singles title on Sunday, claiming his sixth Grand Slam and a second trophy in New York as the match was marked off-court by the presence of U.S. President Donald Trump and questions over media coverage of his attendance.

Trump's arrival at Arthur Ashe Stadium prompted enhanced security measures that delayed the start of the final by about 30 minutes and led to long queues through airport-style checks, the United States Tennis Association said. Broadcasters had been told by the USTA to "refrain from showing any disruptions or reactions in response to the president’s attendance in any capacity," according to an email circulated to media before the match.

During Sky Sports' live coverage, former British player Laura Robson referred to audible reactions after the president was shown on the stadium screen, saying, "They've just shown Trump on the big screen, lots of boos." The remark appeared to contradict the USTA instruction. The USTA did not immediately issue a public response to broadcasters' coverage on Sunday.

Trump was shown during the national anthem and later in the match, and sections of the crowd reacted with a mixture of boos and cheers. The security-related delay meant many fans missed parts of the early play, with reports of hundreds still queuing well into the second set.

On court, Alcaraz produced a near-faultless display to reclaim the world No. 1 ranking from Sinner and secure the $5 million winner's prize. The Spaniard and the Italian have now contested three consecutive Grand Slam finals in 2025, with Alcaraz winning the French Open comeback in May and Sinner taking Wimbledon in July. Their run of finals this year leaves them level at two Grand Slam wins apiece for the season.

Alcaraz praised his opponent in his on-court remarks after lifting the trophy. "I want to start with Jannik," he said. "It's unbelievable what you have done in the whole season. I see you more than my family! It's great to share everything with you and watch you improve, working hard every day. Congratulations to you."

Four-time US Open champion Martina Navratilova, part of Sky Sports' coverage team, criticized the delay, saying it was unfair to ticket holders. "For the final to be postponed because of this is absolutely insane," she said. "People have paid thousands of dollars for these tickets. It was half empty at the start, normally this place would be rocking."

The match continued after the delay, and Alcaraz dominated the first and third sets with aggressive baseline play and precise court coverage, while Sinner mounted a second-set recovery before ultimately succumbing in the fourth. The result extends Alcaraz's success at the majors and continues a high-profile rivalry that has become a defining storyline of the 2025 season.

Tournament officials said the increased security measures were implemented for the safety of attendees and participants. Organizers declined to provide further comment on media directives beyond the guidance circulated to credentialed broadcasters.

Robson, a former world junior champion who has worked as a television pundit since retiring from the tour, made the remark while Sky Sports was analysing the crowd reaction. Broadcasters and tournament authorities have often balanced restrictions and editorial judgment when high-profile political figures attend sporting events; Sunday’s final brought that question into focus amid one of the sport's marquee matches.

Alcaraz celebrated his trophy on Arthur Ashe's Court as the season's final Grand Slam concluded, capping a year in which he and Sinner became central figures in men's tennis and left the sport with renewed momentum heading into the next season.