Trump's presence in the US Open final is a "privilege," says Alcaraz

World number two Carlos Alcaraz, who has qualified for the US Open final, which Donald Trump will attend on Sunday, said the American president's visit was a "privilege" for the New York Grand Slam.

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"It's a privilege for tournaments to welcome a president, regardless of the country he leads," said the 22-year-old Spaniard at a press conference after his 6-4, 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 victory against Novak Djokovic (7th) in the semi-finals.

"Honestly, I'll try not to focus on it, not to think about it," added the five-time Grand Slam winner, who is used to playing major tournament finals in front of the King of Spain, Felipe VI, who was still present in the stands in mid-July during his defeat in the Wimbledon final.

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"I don't want to get nervous" about the presence of the American president, "but I think the fact that he's attending the match is great for tennis," Alcaraz concluded in English.

World number one Jannik Sinner, who joined him in the final on Friday night, stressed that "many famous people come to watch the tournament, and we are aware of that as players."

AFP

"This means that tennis is important" and the arrival of the American president will therefore "please" the players, he said.

On Friday, a senior White House official told AFP that Donald Trump planned to attend the men's singles final on Sunday, confirming reports in the American press.

The last sitting US president to attend the final Grand Slam tournament of the season was Bill Clinton, for the 2000 women's final, won by Venus Williams.

The American president, a great fan of sporting competitions, has already attended the final of the American football championship, the SuperBowl, and the final of the FIFA Club World Cup this year.