Naomi Osaka used her recent second‑round victory over Katerina Siniakova as a platform to ask the growing crowd of social‑media personalities at the US Open to respect the traditional etiquette of tennis. The request comes after a series of viral clips from the tournament’s opening day showed several influencers seemingly oblivious to the match in progress, prompting a broader conversation about proper conduct at major sporting events. When Osaka defeated Siniakova 6‑2, 5‑7, 6‑1 to move into the third round in New York, she took a moment to address the issue in a candid interview.
"If you attend a sporting event, you have to respect the sport," she said. "It’s common courtesy to understand the basics of the game, especially the etiquette that governs how fans behave." Osaka emphasized that while influencers have the power to introduce tennis to new audiences, that influence must be exercised responsibly. "It could be a great way to popularise tennis with your followers, but it has to be managed much better, especially in situations like my first‑round match," she added.
She recalled a specific incident from her opening match against Anastasia Zakharova, noting that the umpire had to raise his voice more than usual to quiet the crowd. "I wasn’t paying much attention in that match because I was focused on the court, but there were people shouting and it was audible.
I think it also bothered my opponent," Osaka explained. Her remarks underline a key point: disruptive behavior not only distracts the player but can also affect the opponent’s concentration and the overall quality of the contest. Unlike the headline‑grabbing outfit she wore for her debut match—a long white skirt and hooded robe printed with newspaper clippings about her—Osaka chose a more understated, shimmering all‑white ensemble for the Siniakova encounter.
The look, reminiscent of classic Wimbledon attire, reflected a quieter, more focused approach both on and off the court. The match itself unfolded with Osaka taking an early lead. She broke Siniakova’s serve to love in the fourth game of the first set and secured a second break to close the set 6‑2.
The second set proved more competitive; after gaining a 4‑2 advantage, Osaka’s serve faltered and she was broken three consecutive times, ultimately losing the set 7‑5. Demonstrating resilience, Osaka rebounded in the deciding set, dropping only a single game to claim the win and a spot in the fourth round. Osaka’s comments about etiquette resonated beyond her own match.
Fellow competitors also made headlines. Two‑time US Open champion Iga Swiatek breezed through her second‑round match, defeating Nadia Podoroska 6‑3, 6‑2 in just 71 minutes. Their meeting marked only the second encounter between the two, the first having taken place in the 2020 French Open semi‑finals, where Swiatek emerged victorious on her way to her inaugural Grand Slam title. In the women’s draw, Madison Keys staged a dramatic comeback against Anna Bondar, surviving five match points before prevailing 5‑7, 6‑4, 7‑6 (10‑5).
The 2017 US Open finalist, who later captured the 2025 Australian Open crown, hit an impressive 34 forehand winners and credited the enthusiastic home crowd for her perseverance. "That was something, huh? No stress though – we all knew I had it, right?" Keys told the spectators after the win. The men’s side saw its own upset.
Third seed Felix Auger‑Aliassime became the highest‑seeded player eliminated from the tournament to date after a surprising loss to unseeded Russian Karen Khachanov in the second round. Khachanov, a 2022 semi‑finalist, broke Auger‑Aliassime’s serve seven times on Louis Armstrong Stadium and saved seven of nine break points, securing only his second top‑10 Grand Slam victory. After a tightly contested first‑set tiebreak that Auger‑Aliassime edged, Khachanov’s momentum surged, and he closed out the match in straight sets, advancing to the third round. Taylor Fritz continued his dominant run, dispatching Italy’s Mattia Bellucci 6‑0, 6‑1, 6‑1 in a match that saw him maintain a flawless set record thus far in the tournament.
The American, seeded ninth, is among a select group of players hoping to end a 23‑year drought without a male American Grand Slam singles champion. His powerful serving and aggressive baseline play have positioned him as a serious contender.
Osaka’s appeal to influencers underscores a broader theme at this year’s US Open: the balance between modern fan engagement and preserving the integrity of a sport steeped in tradition. While digital platforms offer unprecedented opportunities to reach younger audiences, the responsibility to honour the game’s customs remains paramount.
As the tournament progresses, players, officials, and fans alike will be watching to see whether this message translates into quieter crowds, more respectful behaviour, and a smoother viewing experience for everyone involved. The US Open continues to be broadcast live on Sky Sports from August 30, with streaming options available on NOW and the Sky Sports app. Additionally, tennis enthusiasts can catch the upcoming Laver Cup at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, also shown on Sky Sports.