Laura Robson defies US Open order by commenting on Donald Trump boos

Former British No 1 Laura Robson defied US Open orders to comment on the boos aimed at Donald Trump after the president appeared at Carlos Alcaraz’s victory over Jannik Sinner.

Trump was booed by sections of the crowd as hundreds of fans missed the start of the US Open men’s singles final on Sunday because of increased security measures put in place for his arrival at Flushing Meadows.

The US president, who was a guest of tournament sponsors Rolex, experienced a mixed reception when shown on the big screen during the singing of the Star-Spangled Banner before the match. The start had already been delayed by 37 minutes after fans were unable to access the stadium.

However, when Trump was shown on the big screen during a break following the first set, he was loudly jeered by spectators who were sat close to where Telegraph Sport was positioned.

Donald Trump has not enjoyed an especially positive reaction from fans at the US Open men’s final #USOpen2025pic.twitter.com/ad1kXAFLch

— Sonia Twigg (@twiggsonia) September 7, 2025

A reported directive from the United States Tennis Association was sent to media before the final that read: “We ask all broadcasters to refrain from showing any disruptions or reactions in response to the president’s attendance in any capacity.”

But Robson appeared to defy that directive during the first set.

“They’ve just shown Trump on the big screen, lots of boos,” Robson said in her role as courtside reporter for Sky Sports.

Robson was not the only pundit on Sky Sports to comment on Trump’s appearance. Martina Navratilova, the four-time US Open champion, said in response to the lengthy queues to access Arthur Ashe Stadium: “For the final to be postponed because of this is absolutely insane.

“People have paid thousands of dollars for these tickets. It was half empty at the start, normally this place would be rocking.”

Navratilova, who has been a long-time critic of Trump, added on social media: “It’s 14:00 and more than half empty, only one way to get in. Thank you Trump!!!”

It’s 14:00 and more than half empty, only one way to get in. Thank you trump!!! pic.twitter.com/FQt111nfoV

— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) September 7, 2025

A full security overhaul greeted everyone coming into Arthur Ashe Stadium. The queues to enter the arena stretched back almost as far as the entrance of the Flushing Meadows complex, leaving many of those who had paid thousands of dollars for a ticket stuck outside as the match got under way.

Spectators told Telegraph Sport how they had climbed over benches or jumped the queue to avoid being stuck outside when the match started, but even then it took them half an hour to get through the security “ring of steel” surrounding the stadium.

The current queue of people waiting to enter the Arthur Ashe Stadium to watch Alcaraz vs Sinner 👀 pic.twitter.com/zQDZMxZjWY

— Sky Sports Tennis (@SkySportsTennis) September 7, 2025

One had a metal water bottle bought at an official US Open shop and intended as a present for her mother, taken by the security staff because there was nothing metal allowed in the stadium.

It was not only the spectators who were affected but the players themselves. Telegraph Sport understands Alcaraz and Sinner, as well as their teams, had to arrive early on Sunday morning because of the additional security measures.

While the media were warned about the additional measures, and instructed to leave camera equipment and other items on site overnight, spectators who spoke to Telegraph Sport said they had not received any warning of the queues that would await them.

It was unlikely to be ideal preparation for either player, as they would not have wanted to start their pre-match preparations ahead of the planned time.

As the match entered its third game, there were still fans entering the stadium and trying to find their seats, with many spaces bare on the upper tier especially.

Brendan McIntyre, a United States Tennis Association spokesperson, said: “We understand the frustration of fans that were delayed in their entrance to Arthur Ashe Stadium. The added security protocols were put in place by the United States Secret Service.

“We took several steps to make this process as seamless as possible and educate our attendees on the potential delays in advance of their arrival.

“Communications were sent to ticket holders Friday, Saturday and early today informing them that there would be ‘TSA-style’ security screening, and urging them to arrive early, and to take mass transit, if possible. Additionally, we delayed the start of the match to provide additional time for fans to undergo screening and get to their seats.”