Security delays frustrate fans at US Open as Trump receives mixed reaction

NEW YORK : The start of the U.S. Open's final match was delayed and thousands of seats remained empty as it got underway as security checks related to President Donald Trump's attendance slowed entry to the iconic New York City event.

Fans waited in long lines outside Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, the largest tennis venue in the world with a nearly 24,000-person capacity.

Some attendees who were still outside booed as the championship match between rivals Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner kicked off a little before 3 p.m. EDT (1900 GMT).

Secret Service and other federal security officers checked bags and ushered fans through metal detectors while Trump was greeted by a mix of cheers and boos in the stadium. Resale tickets to the event ranged from hundreds of dollars to more than $20,000, according to the website SeatGeek.

Kevin, a Brooklyn man employed by a private equity firm, said he had waited an hour and 15 minutes and still had not reached the entrance. The man, who declined to give his last name, blamed Trump for the delay.

"One hundred percent him. Very selfish. I would expect someone like that to have a little bit more grace to know that an event like this would be held up for him being here, especially in a city that hates him," he said.

The match start time, originally set for 2 p.m. EDT, was delayed due to security checks, U.S. Open organizers said half an hour before it was set to begin. Strict security measures are standard for any public event that the president attends, regardless of party affiliation or popularity.

Trump, a Republican, is a sports fan who regularly voices his opinion about sports in the same way he has sought to influence or intimidate institutions throughout U.S. society.

He has pushed to