Sunday’s US Open final is set to be a clash of tennis titans, with Carlos Alcaraz taking on Jannik Sinner at 7 PM. But off the court, a different kind of buzz is brewing. The US Tennis Association, or USTA, has reportedly sent a special request to the TV networks covering the event. They’re asking broadcasters to avoid showing any protests or strong reactions aimed at Donald Trump, who is expected to attend the match in person.
According to a report from Reuters, the USTA circulated a memo to television crews. This memo warned that the former American leader would be visible on the event’s internal camera feeds. It then advised broadcasters to “refrain from showing disruptions or reactions towards the president.” Trump is reportedly planning to watch the high-stakes match from a luxury box provided by one of the tournament’s sponsors.
A USTA spokesperson, Brendan McIntyre, spoke to The Athletic about the situation. He insisted that this instruction is standard practice, not an act of censorship. McIntyre explained that the organization typically asks TV operators not to focus on issues happening away from the tennis court itself. However, ESPN, one of the main broadcasters, appears to have other plans. The network intends to show any images of Trump, whether those reactions are positive or negative.