President Donald Trump’s attendance at the US Open finals has prompted the United States Tennis Association to implement what officials are calling “Presidential Protection Protocols” for future tournament events, following a three-hour delay to Carlos Alcaraz’s championship match.
The delay, which occurred when Trump’s security detail established a “moving perimeter” that inadvertently encompassed Center Court, has led to discussions about standardizing high-profile spectator procedures across major sporting venues.
“We never anticipated that presidential attendance would require suspending play entirely,” said USTA spokesperson Jennifer Morrison. “The Secret Service was very thorough in ensuring no tennis balls could be used as projectiles, which unfortunately meant removing all tennis balls from the venue during the security sweep.”
The new protocols, developed in consultation with federal security agencies, establish different “threat levels” for various sporting events. Tennis, previously considered low-risk, has been elevated to “moderate security concern” due to what officials describe as “multiple high-velocity spherical projectiles and extensive aluminum equipment.”
Golf tournaments, by contrast, have been downgraded to “minimal concern” following Trump’s positive associations with the sport. “Golf is basically a presidential sport now,” explained Secret Service spokesman David Chen. “We’re much more comfortable with golf clubs than tennis rackets.”
The protocols specify that any presidential attendance at tennis matches will trigger a mandatory 90-minute “equipment inspection period” during which all rackets undergo individual security screening. Ball machines must be disassembled and inspected for modifications, while line judges receive additional background checks.
Other professional sports are reportedly studying the tennis precedent. The NFL has announced it will implement “Presidential Viewing Zones” that isolate dignitaries from both players and projectiles, while Major League Baseball is considering designated “Protected Innings” during which no presidential guests may be present.
International tennis officials have expressed bewilderment at the American approach. “In Wimbledon, the Queen attended matches regularly and play never stopped,” noted British tennis official Margaret Whitfield. “Perhaps American democracy requires more robust security measures.”
The Alcaraz match eventually concluded successfully, though the champion noted in his post-game interview that “the three-hour delay actually helped my mental preparation.” Tournament officials are now considering whether presidential delays might become a strategic element in future championship matches.