The men's final of tennis's US Open between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz was almost an hour delayed, and when the match got underway, there were still many empty seats and long queues outside the arena.
The delays were due to the large security deployment surrounding the President of the USA, Donald Trump, who was present at Arthur Ashe stadium.
The fact that the final was postponed so much is something that irritates the former tennis star Martina Navratilova, 68.
It is a delay that they (the players) have never experienced since all arenas have roofs nowadays, she says.
Navratilova won 18 grand slam titles in singles, including four US Open titles, during her career, and knows a thing or two about getting ready for big matches.
They must time it just right – eat right, warm up. Both players are in the same boat, but it's really a shame, she says.
Let us also spare a thought for the thousands of people waiting outside, in the rain, and who have paid thousands of dollars for these tickets.
Navratilova, who was born in Czech Republic, has previously criticized Donald Trump and said that she feels anxious about her future in the USA after the president's new rules regarding citizenship.
Alcaraz won the US Open final against Sinner with 3–1 in sets, and is the new world number one.
