Trump Distracts from US Open Final

Alcaraz (right) beat Sinner to win the US Open this afternoon

The men's singles final at the US Open started 45 minutes late this afternoon because American President Donald Trump attended the match so all the spectators had to go through intense security checks.

At first it was delayed 30 minutes, and then another 15, and then the show had to start despite hundreds of people still waiting to get into Arthur Ashe Stadium. 

One man from Brooklyn who works for a private equity firm waited over an hour and 15 minutes and still had not reached the entrance, and blamed Trump for the delay.

Trump was sitting in the suite sponsored by Rolex

"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.

When Trump was shown on the big screens, there was a lot of boos and some cheers. He sat inside a suite along the sidelines of centre court, opposite the umpire's chair. 

The last time he attended the US Open was in 2015 and the booing was so loud that multiple media outlets wrote about the crowd's reaction. 

So there was an uproar yesterday when the United States Tennis Association in a memo asked broadcasters of the US Open to censor any protests or reaction to Trump's appearance.

"We ask all broadcasters to refrain from showcasing any disruptions or reactions in response to the President's attendance in any capacity," the USTA said in the memo. It said Trump planned to watch the match from a suite as a guest of sponsor Rolex, prompting additional security for the event.

Despite the boos, Trump took some photo ops

"We regularly ask our broadcasters to refrain from showcasing off-court disruptions," USTA spokesman Brendan McIntyre said.

But many people were not pleased that this directive came down. Why was the USTA censoring people's reactions to Trump being in the stadium? 

As The Guardian's Bryan Armen Graham pointed out, world leaders have had negative reactions towards them at sporting events: 

"Crowd dissent on broadcasts is not a breakdown on civic order. It is its expression. Then UK home secretary Theresa May was booed at the 2012 London Paralympics. French president Emmanuel Macron was whistled during the 2023 Rugby World Cup opening ceremony in Paris. In the US, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is all but guaranteed a chorus of boos during public appearances, and that's practically a standing ovation next to the venom reserved for NHL commissioner Gary Bettman from fans. And Trump and his predecessor, Joe Biden, have been given hostile receptions by sports crowds. Somehow the United Kingdom, France and the United States survived those incidents intact," he wrote.

"That the USTA thinks Trump must be insulated from reality hints at something darker. It is reminiscent of regimes where the leader's image must be protected from public ridicule. It shows how much Trump's first term -- and his bullying of cultural institutions -- still shapes behaviour. In his first presidency, he was broadly reviled by athletes and sports bodies. Now, as Tom Dart wrote before this year's Super Bowl, he is increasingly accommodated or treated with silence."

A glum-looking Trump at the end of the match

Indeed. For the most part, Trump wants to be there for the attention. So let him have it. 

But really the attention should be focused on the two players, Italian Jannik Sinner and Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz -- the latter prevailed in the end in an exhilarating match.

And when it was over, there was a quick camera glance at Trump. While everyone else was energised and clapping, he looked glum.

Osaka Sparkled with Glittering Labubus

Osaka shows off Arthur Flashe at the US Open

Japanese tennis player Naomi Osaka made great strides in this year's US Open, reaching the semi finals, but was defeated by Amanda Anisimova 6-7, 7-6, 6-3.

Not only did Osaka garner attention for her bling outfits that she had a hand in designing, but also carrying her glittering Labubu-esque dolls, a different one each day clipped to her bag that she brought court side.

Each match she carried a different Labubu

Perhaps what was more upsetting for her than losing in the semi finals was not being able to show off one more Labubu.

"Oh, don't make me cry, man. Oh, my God, the most devastating question," she said with a smile when asked about the Labubu that never was.

"I wanted to make one of myself in last year's outfit, and it was the green one. I would have had the bow, and I'm sick about it," she revealed amidst laughter. "Oh, my God, that's, like, the worst thing. Honestly, I'm fine losing, but don't ask me about this Labubu, man. Yeah, it would have been me."

Osaka worked with artist Kerin Rose Gold to create the tennis-themed five-inch Labubu figurines each carrying a tennis racquet.

There was Billie Jean King as Billie Jean Bling and LaBillieBoo (complete with oversized red eyeglasses), Althea Glitterson (Althea Gibson, one of the first Black tennis players), Andre Swagassi, a play on Andre Agassi with a headband, and Arthur Flashe, an homage to Arthur Ashe.

Gold with King and Labubu

Billie Jean Bling and Arthur Flashe even have their own Instagram accounts.

During the US Open it took Gold nine to 12 hours to complete one Labubu from scratch, including five hours to 3D print it and then another few hours to glue all the crystals on.

Gold also helped create the sparkling roses in Osaka's hair for her appearances.

If Labubu fans want one, they can order a "Lablingbling from Gold's A-Morir website with prices ranging from US$351 for a mini-sized one, up to US$737 for Labillieboo and Andre Swagassi...

Auger-Aliassime Puts up Tough Fight Against Sinner in US Open

Sinner (left) beat Auger-Aliassime to meet Alcaraz in final

In the end Italian Jannik Sinner prevailed, but Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime put up a damn good fight in Arthur Ashe Stadium at the US Open that lasted three hours and 21 minutes. The final score was 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 and the crowd was cheering on Auger-Aliassime when he came back from the devastating first set to climb back, win a set and then hang on as much as he could literally to the end.

The fourth set was going the Canadian's way, 2-1 at first, but then several double faults and enforced errors led to Sinner leading 4-2. Auger-Aliassime dug deep and managed to get one more point before the Italian completed the set 6-4.

He fought for as many points as he could

Auger-Aliassime, ranked No. 25 has played Sinner several times before, and one has to imagine how intimidating it could be playing against the world's No. 1 seed. But the Montrealer managed to keep up and had a few zinger shots that excited the crowd and one could see the delight on his face and a few fist pumps to keep him going.

"I just want to take a moment to soak in the tournament and everything that was good," Auger-Aliassime told the media after the game.

"You obviously build your future with what's good in you, and then you try to improve a little bit, step by step. So I'm just trying to take that all in.

"We were fighting out there. We had some good points. I was going toe to toe at times, some sets dominating. Of course, I feel competitive, but the future will tell how close I am [to Sinner's level]."

After the second set that Auger-Aliassime won, Sinner left the court for medical attention and it turns out later he had abdominal issues. But Sinner managed to keep going, but had to fight for points and Auger-Aliassime faltered a few times with double faults and some enforced errors.

Dabrowski (left) and Routliffe won doubles

Sinner now faces Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday in the final.

Nevertheless it was a fantastic match for the Canadian and we're so proud of how far he's gone at the US Open. What a way to close out the season!

Canadians didn't lose out completely -- Ottawa native Gabriela Dabrowski and her partner Erin Routliffe won the women's doubles today, the second time in three years. 

They defeated American Taylor Townsend and Czechia's Katerina Siniakova 6-4, 6-4.

Auger-Aliassime Advances to US Open Semis

Auger-Aliassime is playing really well at the 20205 US Open

Team Canada is still red hot with Felix Auger-Aliassime advancing to the semi-finals after an epic four-hour match defeating No. 8 Alex de Minaur 4-6, 7-6, 7-5, 7-6.

"Four years is a long time, even if in the span of a lifetime it's also not that long. But 2021 does feel like a long time ago. I feel like I'm a different person," Auger-Aliassime said. "With the opportunity I had to start on the pro tour so young, it allows me now, with a second wind, another opportunity to find myself in the semis of a Slam. And I'm still only 25."

De Minaur fought hard in the over 4-hour match

Pulling off this upset is one of the most important victories in his career and it comes four years after he reached the US Open finals the first time in 2021.

Now Auger-Aliassime is older and wiser, though in the last few years he struggled with injuries and confidence issues. 

During the match he remembered the words of advice Rafael Nadal told him.

"I once asked him what the difference was between his career and that of other really good players who didn't have the same career," Auger-Aliassime said. 

"He said it was the ability to win matches when he wasn't playing his best, because it gave him the opportunity to play better in the next round and to stay alive in the tournament. What you don't say is, 'Today is not my day. It'll go better next time.'

Auger-Aliassime kept Nadal's advice in mind

"I have tried over the years to get better with that, and to doubt myself less when things aren't going great."

He definitely put that counsel to practice today amid the excitement of being in the quarterfinals.

"Just a lot of nerves today through the whole match," Auger-Aliassime said after the match. "It wasn't pretty at all times but that's what grand slam matches are. Sometimes, some days you won't feel your best but I was willing to dig really deep and do everything I can to stay here, right now."

Indeed!

He will play against No. 1 seed Jannik Sinner in the semis, while Carlos Alcaraz faces Novak Djokovic.

Wild Card Run Ends for Williams and Fernandez

Williams and Fernandez after losing their match today

The US Open run for Montreal's Leylah Fernandez and American tennis champion Venus Williams is sadly over, after they were soundly defeated by top seeded American Taylor Townsend and her Czech Republic partner Katerina Siniakova 6-1, 6-2 in a 57-minute match in the quarterfinals.

Nevertheless, it was still a win for both Fernandez and Williams, who have a mutual admiration for each other.

"I was so inspired by Leylah," Williams said. "I really got so much confidence playing with her, having an opportunity to play more matches in the doubles, and it was just an amazing experience to be able to do that."

The wild card pair enjoyed their time on the court 

For Fernandez, it was a thrill to play with her tennis idol, and a reminder of why she pursued the sport.

"The most important thing is that I started playing tennis for the love of the game and for bringing joy on court, not only for myself but also for the fans."

But wait -- the run for Canadian women in doubles is not over yet.

Gabriela Dabrowski of Ottawa and New Zealander Erin Routliffe are getting closer to possibly clinching a second US Open women's doubles title.

The third seeds had a shaky start but eventually defeated 11th-seeded Timea Babos of Hungary and Brazil's Luisa Stefani 0-6, 6-4, 6-4 in the quarterfinals.

Wong's Fairytale Run at the US Open Comes to an End

Wong has proved to himself he can play against top players

Coleman Wong Chak-lam's run at the US Open sadly came to an end today, but not without putting up a fight against world No. 15 Russian Andrey Rublev in a five-set thriller, 2-6, 6-4, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 on the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre's Grandstand court.

The match, which lasted more than three hours, saw Wong take the first and fourth sets, and serve a total of 25 aces. The 21-year-old is pleased with how he has improved significantly.

Rublev (left) said Wong played with no fear

"I'm getting closer, and I've proved to myself that I can do it," Wong said of wanting to break into the top 100. "I need to keep believing. I can see that I have the potential and I can scare the big guys.

"I believe in myself more now. I was still in Challengers, and now I'm in the US Open third round, almost beating a tough top 20 player, going five sets with them. It means I'm capable of pushing them all the way."

Rublev was gracious towards his Hong Kong opponent, ranked No. 173.

"It was a tough match, he played really well," said Rublev on the court afterwards. "He played aggressively and with no fear, it was tough. I didn't start well, he was all over me and I needed to fight for every ball to turn it around.

"He was fighting until the end in the last game. I'm happy I was able to win and get to the next round."

Indeed. Rublev will be facing Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime, who stunned world No. 3 Alexander Zverev 4-6, 7-6, 6-4, 6-4.

Wong hopes to break into the top 100 rankings

In the meantime, Wong will return to Hong Kong to play in a Davis Cup match against Uzbekistan next month.

He'll probably have a hero's welcome back and a lot of Hongkongers excited to watch him play. We've got Olympic swimmer Siobhan Haughey, fencer Edgar Cheung Ka-long, and now tennis phenom Wong.

Wong has put Hong Kong on the map in tennis and definitely one to watch!

Tennis Phenom Coleman Wong Blazing Trails in US Open

Wong is enjoying his ride into the third round of the US Open

The US Open has started and already Canadian sensation Victoria Mboko was eliminated in the first round.

But there's another dark horse to cheer for -- 21-year-old Coleman Wong Chak-lam.

The Hongkonger has made history not only to qualify for the US Open, but to also to be the first to make it to the third round!

Bruce Wong (far left) is so proud of his son

Earlier today the world No. 173 Wong upset No. 85-ranked Australian Adam Walton 7-6, 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 in three hours.

There were huge cheers for Wong when the match ended, and he looked in disbelief that he has made it this far.

"I'm swinging it, I'm feeling good," Wong said with a big smile. "This is my first main draw, first best of five, first everything. For me, for Hong Kong, for my team, everything is very new, so, no pressure.

"This is something that I dreamed of. For every tennis player, to keep going in a slam, it's one of the biggest tournaments in the world. So, at the moment, I'm still digesting, I still need to calm down, but I'm really happy."

After the match he used his coach's phone to call his parents to come to New York to watch him play this weekend. His father Bruce is a primary school headmaster, and his wife a teacher, both busy gearing up for the school year that starts on Monday.

Wong will meet No. 15 Rublev in the next match

Bruce Wong told RTHK he didn't have high expectations for his son, but him making it into the third round has made the family proud.

"It was really unbelievable for most of the Hong Kong people, like myself. Of course we're very happy, not only because of the result but the performance," the father said.

"In these few months, there were so many ups and downs, a lot of struggles. We're so happy we can see some good results at this moment."

Wong, who trains at Rafael Nadal's tennis academy in Mallorca, Spain, will next meet Russian Andrey Rublev, ranked No. 15.

"For me, I just want to go out there, enjoy, and I'm in the third round of the US Open, so I don't need to think so much," Wong said. "I just want to go out, enjoy the atmosphere, feel the vibe, and... stay as long as I can, because this is tough. Everyone is so good, everyone is so tough to play, so this means a lot to me."

Wong has an awesome attitude about being in this major tennis tournament -- relishing every moment, and trying not to put too much pressure on himself. He is the underdog, but at the same time totally blazing trails and giving Hongkongers someone to be proud of on the world stage.

Hongkonger Makes into the Main Draw at US Open

Wong is the first Hongkonger in the main draw at US Open

When the US Open starts this weekend, it will be very interesting to watch, not just the debut of Canadian sensation Victoria Mboko, fresh off her win at the National Bank Open in Montreal, but also the first Hongkonger to reach the main draw of the American tennis tournament.

Coleman Wong Chak-lam, 21, beat Brit Billy Harris 6-3, 6-4 to qualify for the US Open.

"At the moment I don't know what I'm thinking," Wong said immediately after his historic win. "It was tough last night. I didn't sleep the best knowing how close I was.

Wong (left) won US Open boys doubles in 2021

"I know I have the level, and I know I just need to be calm and to play my game. I'm in the main draw and I want to go for more."

In the first round Wong may encounter the likes of Jack Draper, Ben Shelton, or Andrey Rublev in the first round that starts on Sunday.

It won't be Wong's first rodeo, as he won the boys' doubles championship in 2021. 

Nevertheless, according to the Hong Kong, China Tennis Association, Ip Koon Hung was the last player from Hong Kong to compete in the main draw of the men's singles at the US Open back in 1947.

Ip and another man, Edward Tsai both representing Hong Kong have ever reached a tennis major in the Open era -- most recently in 1954.

Ip was the first when he played at Wimbledon in 1951, and did it again the following year.

Meanwhile Tsai managed to reach the second round in 1953 and 1954, the last time a Hongkonger appeared at a slam.

Mboko Beats Osaka to Win National Bank Open

Canada's new tennis darling Mboko who won the NBO today

Tennis phenom Victoria Mboko has catapulted from No. 333 nine months ago to No. 25 following her win over Naomi Osaka 2-6, 6-4, 6-1 at the National Bank Open in Montreal.

Mboko had the crowd nervous when she lost the first set, but she powered through her wrist injury and as fans cheered her on, this may have unnerved Osaka, and Mboko used this to her advantage to defeat her in the second and third sets.

She gave a shoutout to the fans in the stands

"It's been an incredible week here in Montreal," Mboko told the crowd in a post-match ceremony. "Montreal, je vous aime!"

She got praise from Prime Minister Mark Carney and Billie Jean King among others.

What's not to love about this an amazing fairytale run for Mboko, who was a wildcard entry into the tournament. But now she has been assured a spot in the US Open -- where she has never played before.

Mboko is the youngest of four children, her parents originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The family moved from North Carolina where Mboko was born to Burlington, Ontario, where all four kids learned tennis, with their tennis dad. Two of her siblings played at the college level, but Mboko has gone the furthest.

Osaka (right) visibly upset following the match

A former coach describes her as very athletic on the court, hitting hard like her idol Osaka, but Mboko has the mental ability to mistakes aside quickly and focus on the present, which makes her very resilient.

She is now the No. 1 Canadian women's tennis player and after winning the National Bank Open, takes home $750,000 in prize money.

Unfortunately Osaka was a bit of a sore loser, not congratulating Mboko on her win. Nevertheless, Osaka has done well this tournament too, getting this far since giving birth to her daughter Shai in July 2023. She has changed coaches a few times and perhaps is more settled now.

Mboko could play in the Cincinnati Open which started today, or withdraw and focus on the US Open which starts on August 19.