Alcaraz ignores disruptive Trump presence to win US Open

Donald Trumps’s faux-regal Sunday arrival at the US Open and the insane level of security inflicted on fans entering the grounds delayed the start of the US Open men’s final by 48 minutes.

But champion Carlos Alcaraz took absolutely zero notice of the notorious former New York real estate developer, defeating Jannik Sinner 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 to win his second title here and make a return to world no’s. 1 and 2 …

Trump was roundly booed when he arrived at a private box and again during the national anthem. The US president and his possee left the final after just 90 minutes of play.

Worldwide TV broadcasters had been warned in a Saturday email from Open bosses not to air any jeering of Trump – presumably under the threat of future access restrictions or sanctions.

The  world just got on with on-court business despite the disruptive presence of Trump and his trailing acolytes and hangers-on.

But the disruption to pre-match prep cannot be overstated, with eating, stretching and warm-up session totally blown up by the uncalled-for Trump delay.    

Cowered Open officials officially bent the knee and sent the winner’s trophy up to the Rolex corporate box for Trump to savour during the final – a trashing of all previous trophy protocols. 

Security was so onerous that by the end of the 38-minute opening set, thousands of ticketholders were still  in the queue to enter the stadium.

Alcaraz finished up his victory on two and three-quarter hours to earn the seventh title of his career on court as he earned a  sixth Grand Slam title.

Sinner saved two match points in the final game, but was comprehensively out-played as the pair met in the final of their third straight major this season.”It’s unbelievable what Jannik has been doing this season,” Alcaraz said. “His level has been great.

“I see you more than my family,”  the 22-year-old Spaniard joked. “It’s great to share the court with you.”

He added: “It’s been a long three weeks, but a privilege to be part of the tournament. 

“I eel at home here with all the fan energy. I try to play my best for the crowd.”

Alcaraz increased his lead in the ATP match-win category as he scored his 61st to become the second youngest man in Open era to win six Grand Slam titles.

Sinner, who won the title here a year ago, said he was simply out-played on th day.

“I tried my best, I could not do more,” the Italian said.  “It’s been a long tournament, but I can’t wait to come back next year.”

Alcaraz drew first blood in a lengthy opening game as he broke Sinner to set the tone for the delayed final. 

The second seed then repeated for a 5-2 lead before closing out the set, losing just three points on serve along with 11 winners.

Sinner began regaining momentum in the second set, taking a 2-1 lead and earning his first break points against Alcaraz in the fourth game and handing the Spaniard only his second break of the tournament to lead 3-1

Sinner extended to 5-2 and levelled the match at a set apiece but his momentum took a serious dive in the third set.

The world No. 1 found himself down 5-1 and saved face by winning a game before Alcaraz claimed a two-set-to-one lead.   

Alcaraz now leads the series with Sinner 10-5.