Slate News Hang Up | When Trump Took Center Court
Sep 8, 2025
Ben Rothenberg, an acclaimed tennis writer known for his insights in the sport, joins the conversation to dissect the dramatic U.S. Open finals. He highlights the unexpected political controversy surrounding Trump’s attendance and the electrifying showdown between Alcaraz and Sinner. The discussion also touches on the latest NFL kickoff thrills, including the Bills' stunning comeback. Plus, Rothenberg reflects on sports ownership dynamics and the implications of recent controversies in the NBA, making for an engaging sports roundtable.
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Trump Presence Disrupted The Final
- The U.S. Open final was delayed and muddled by heightened security for Donald Trump, which led many fans to miss play and created audible negative reactions.
- Ben Rothenberg observed clear booing and a mostly negative crowd response when Trump appeared on the Ashe stadium screens.
Alcaraz’s Serving Power Decides Matches
- Carlos Alcaraz continues to dominate Yannick Sinner, winning decisive points with better serving and first-serve percentage.
- Sinner recognizes predictability as a weakness and is considering a substantive game rebuild to challenge Alcaraz.
Djokovic Shows Decline Against New Wave
- Novak Djokovic remains an elite, aging competitor but appears physically taxed against the new generation and consistently third-best at slams.
- Rothenberg notes Djokovic's resilience but doubts he can reclaim dominance versus Alcaraz and Sinner as he ages.
