U.S. Tennis Association petitioning to omit displays of disturbances during broadcasts of President Donald Trump at the US Open

Trump to Attend US Open Men's Final: USTA Asks Broadcasters to Limit Coverage of Disruptions

In a move that has sparked some interest, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) has requested broadcasters to refrain from showcasing any disruptions or reactions in response to President Donald Trump's attendance at the US Open men's final on the Sunday morning of August 29, 2022.

According to multiple reports, this will mark the first time in 25 years that a sitting US President has attended the annual tennis event. Trump, who was a frequent attendee at the US Open before turning to politics a decade ago, last appeared at a US Open match during the 2015 quarter-final match-up between Venus and Serena Williams at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The USTA has issued a memo to US Open broadcasters regarding Trump's appearance and the requested broadcast coverage. The memo outlines that the President will be shown on the World Feed and the Ashe Court Feed during the opening anthem ceremony. However, it requests broadcasters to avoid showing disruptions during Trump's appearance, including ENG (Electronic News Gathering) coverage of any disruptions or reactions.

The memo, first reported by tennis reporter Ben Rothenberg of online outlet Bounces, also states that Trump will be shown on the jumbotrons in Arthur Ashe Stadium during the opening ceremony. ESPN, which holds the broadcasting rights for the US Open in the United States, plans to cover play on court as well as show Trump and acknowledge his attendance.

Sky Sports, which holds broadcasting rights in the UK and Ireland, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. AmNewYork asked the USTA if it received any requests from the White House about tinkering with its coverage of Trump, but did not receive an answer.

Interestingly, Trump's attendance at the US Open in 2022 is not the first time a sitting US President has graced the event. Former President Bill Clinton attended the women's final between Venus Williams and Lindsay Davenport in 2000, making him the first sitting president in history to attend the fourth grand slam of the year. On that occasion, Clinton shared a cordial conversation with Trump, according to multiple reports.

The USTA has previously asked broadcasters to refrain from showing off-court disruptions during the US Open. However, the reason for the request to avoid showing disruptions during Trump's appearance this year has not been provided. No information was provided about the reactions of the crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium during Trump's last appearance in 2015.

As the US Open men's final approaches, the anticipation is high. With Trump's attendance adding an extra layer of intrigue, viewers can expect a unique and exciting experience.

U.S. Tennis Association petitioning to omit displays of disturbances during broadcasts of President Donald Trump at the US Open