Adel Borghei spent Saturday at the United States Open, inside Louis Armstrong Stadium, clad in the navy blue uniform of a referee. He wore sunglasses and made line calls and blended into the background, even if this was far from a normal day at work.

United States sanctions against Iran had prevented Borghei, 32, from working at the tournament, and as the first week of the Open neared a conclusion Friday, he looked into booking a return trip to Iran. He figured his appeal would take too long. He did not expect to work this Open.

Four hours later, the United States Tennis Association called. The appeal had been approved. Borghei could then do what he came to do: work, and without worrying about politics.

“I feel I am part of the team now,” he said in an interview Saturday on the grounds. “That story is done. Now I’m looking forward to the next day. I have to do a good job here.”