The US Open in New York has doubled the number of accredited influencers this year, with roughly 100 content creators given access to the tournament – twice as many as in 2025 – as part of a push to attract a broader, younger audience.
During Naomi Osaka’s opening match at Arthur Ashe Stadium, a group of influencers set up a portable ring light and began filming, prompting the chair umpire to intervene.
Osaka later said the umpire had to ask the crowd to be quiet more often than she had ever heard before, and she stressed that spectators must respect the sport’s unwritten rules.
Players have offered mixed reactions. World number four Coco Gauff welcomed the new demographic but warned that “you wouldn’t show up in jeans to a red‑carpet event”, urging influencers to follow tennis etiquette.
In contrast, world number three Jessica Pegula described some of the behaviour as “disrespectful”, citing selfie lights and loud photography that interrupt players’ focus.
Other competitors expressed optimism. Seventh‑seed Daniil Medvedev said increased visibility can only help the sport’s growth, while 11th‑seed Frances Tiafoe praised the diversity of the crowd, noting that the Open now attracts people from “different walks of life”.
Tournament chief executive Craig Tiley defended the creator credential, calling it a key tool for reaching audiences who consume media differently, and described his vision of the event as a “tennis Disneyland”.
Following the Osaka incident, the USTA installed on‑screen reminders asking fans to avoid noise, flash photography and ring lights, underscoring its commitment to both expansion and respectful spectator conduct.
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Category: Sports
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