“You don’t use the right words”: Carlos Alcaraz explains his controversial comment on Donald Trump’s US Open appearance

Carlos Alcaraz, the 22-year-old from Spain, lifted his second US Open trophy on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York. He beat Italy’s Jannik Sinner 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 in the men’s singles final and returned to the World No.1 spot.

The match was delayed by 30 minutes as U.S. President Donald Trump arrived with heavy security. After his earlier comments about Trump sparked debate, Alcaraz explained why he chooses his words carefully.

Carlos Alcaraz welcomed Donald Trump’s presence at the US Open final

A day before the final, on Saturday, September 6, Carllos Alcaraz defeated Novak Djokovic in the semifinals. After that win, reporters asked him about Donald Trump attending the championship match. Alcaraz answered that it was a “privilege” to have presidents support tennis.

“It’s great for tennis to have the president at the final,” he said.

Donald Trump’s arrival at Arthur Ashe Stadium created long lines at the gates. Many fans missed the start of the first set because of security checks. When Trump appeared on the stadium screen, the New York crowd reacted with both loud cheers and boos.During the trophy ceremony, cameras captured Trump not clapping for Carlos Alcaraz. That moment went viral on social media.

Tennis legend Martina Navratilova reacted strongly, accusing Trump of being “jealous” and disrespecting the champion.

Carlos Alcaraz responds to criticism and explains his careful words

Soon after, Carlos Alcaraz spoke with the Spanish newspaper El País. He said he always tries to avoid problems with his words.“I try to be very careful about what I say and how I say it, because sometimes it can be magnified a lot. I'm clear that what I say can be greatly magnified. If you say something that isn't frowned upon, but you don't use the right words, it can cause problems. I simply try to be as careful as possible about what I say and how I say it, because often, when someone is upset because they've lost or had a bad day, it's hard to measure their words. I try to do it this way, always expressing myself with respect and sportsmanship.” he explained.He added that wrong words, even when not meant badly, can create issues.Also Read; Andre Agassi And Steffi Graf’s Son Jaden Watches As Girlfriend Catherine Holt Steals Spotlight With Daring Look At US OpenCarlos Alcaraz shared that he prefers to stay respectful no matter who is in the stands. “I simply try to be as careful as possible about what I say and how I say it… always expressing myself with respect and sportsmanship,” he said.By winning the US Open on September 7, Alcaraz became one of the youngest players in history with six Grand Slam titles. With his latest victory, he rose to the World No.1 ranking for the fifth time in his career.