President Donald Trump has become a regular fixture at major U.S. sporting events in recent months, from Super Bowl in New Orleans and FIFA Club World Cup final in New Jersey, all the way through to attending US Open final in New York. Carlos Alcaraz was among those reacting positively after winning his semifinal over Novak Djokovic; during post-match press conferences after both matches he shared his insights.
Alcaraz noted, with great respect, how special it was that Presidents from each nation attended and supported his tournament; tennis matches; and matches that ensued.” He expressed excitement but also showed a determination not to focus too heavily on notable figures who attended in order to stay focused on playing rather than dealing with nerve-racking spectatorship issues.
The appearance of a sitting U.S. President is not new to the US Open; Bill Clinton and Barack Obama have previously attended, making Trump’s presence a significant yet not unprecedented event. Alcaraz, however, is looking forward to the opportunity without letting it distract him from his primary objective on the court.
Trump’s relationship with the US Open has its history, including a less favorable reception in 2015 and the suspension of a suite controlled by his administration in 2017. This backdrop adds an interesting layer to his return to the Grand Slam event.
Alcaraz Outlines Strategy for Facing Jannik Sinner
Turning the focus back to tennis, Alcaraz is gearing up for another showdown against Jannik Sinner, marking their third consecutive grand slam final encounter. The rivalry between these two has become a focal point in men’s tennis, splitting seven of the last ten Grand Slam singles titles between them.
Alcaraz revealed his approach for the final, which involves carefully studying past matches against Sinner to see what worked well and didn’t, in order to form the most optimal plan possible for their forthcoming battle in front of an Arthur Ashe Stadium packed with spectators. With their World No.1 status at stake, these stakes couldn’t possibly be higher for either competitor as they go head to head at Arthur Ashe Stadium on November 18th 2019.
This anticipated final showcases both the skill and strategy of its players as well as tennis as an accessible global sport, even among sitting or former U.S. Presidents. As this anticipated battle unfolds, all eyes will be upon Alcaraz and Sinner as they compete for supremacy on one of tennis’ biggest stages.