President Donald Trump made a rare appearance at the U.S. Open in Queens, drawing both cheers and boos from spectators as he watched a marquee match at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Trump attended the match between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, cheered on the eventual winner, and later signed autographs for fans before departing for Washington, D.C., as Fox News reports.

The president arrived less than an hour before the start of the fourth-round match, waving to the crowd from the Rolex corporate suite balcony as cameras turned toward him. His presence was immediately met with a mix of applause and disapproval from attendees.

Trump watches on-court battle

The evening’s contest featured two of the sport’s rising stars, Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz and Italy’s Jannik Sinner. Alcaraz ultimately won the match in four sets, prevailing 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 in a showcase of power and agility.

Trump could be seen cheering when Alcaraz closed out the match, acknowledging the young champion’s growing list of accomplishments. With this victory, Alcaraz continued his dominance on the tennis stage, having already collected six Grand Slam titles in his career.

The only major championship still missing from Alcaraz’s résumé is the Australian Open, a fact that highlights his rapid rise in professional tennis. His success has drawn international attention, and Sunday’s win against Sinner added another layer to his reputation.

Fans seek autographs

As the match concluded and Trump prepared to leave, fans began approaching security guards stationed around him. They asked if he would sign hats and other memorabilia before exiting the stadium.

Trump spent several minutes signing items for those who had gathered, offering a brief personal moment to the spectators who sought his autograph. Cameras captured him interacting directly with supporters in the crowd.

At one point, he mouthed “Thank you” to the audience, a gesture that was noticed by many in attendance. For some, it underscored the dual nature of his reception, balancing appreciation from fans with criticism from others.

First appearance at Open since 2015

The visit marked Trump’s first trip to the U.S. Open since September 2015. His return to the tournament came nearly a decade after his last appearance, when he was still a candidate for his first term in office.

In this most recent visit, the former president remained in New York only briefly. By Sunday evening, he had departed for Washington, D.C., following the conclusion of the Alcaraz-Sinner match.

The timing of his arrival and departure suggested the trip was arranged primarily to attend the marquee tennis event and to be seen by a large, diverse audience in Queens. His appearance inevitably drew national media attention as cameras panned to him several times.

Mixed reactions amid polarized political climate

Observers noted that the mixture of applause and boos when Trump appeared on the stadium screens reflected the political divisions that often accompany his public outings. Some fans enthusiastically welcomed him, while others voiced their disapproval just as loudly.

The balance of reactions highlighted the continued polarization surrounding the former president, even in a setting focused on sports. Yet, as with many of his appearances, Trump remained visibly unfazed by the divided response.

By the time he left New York, the evening had provided a blend of professional tennis drama and political theater. For the fans, it was an unexpected intersection of world-class competition and high-profile politics.