The US Open has become the epicenter of a heated debate over tennis etiquette, sparked by an influx of content creators and social media influencers who have taken up seats throughout Flushing Meadows. Organizers, eager to tap into new audiences, have dramatically increased the number of accredited creators for this year’s final Grand Slam, roughly doubling the figure from the previous tournament. While the strategy aims to broaden the sport's reach, many players and officials have reported that the additional noise and visual distractions from influencers in the stands are interfering with the flow of play. One of the most notable incidents involved chair umpire Kader Nouni, who halted a match to reprimand a group of influencers filming a video during an active point.
The influencers were situated in a private suite and their recording equipment, coupled with the sudden movement, created a disturbance that drew the umpire’s attention. In another episode, a creator wielded a bright, portable ring light to capture photos, its flashing illumination drawing the eyes of both players and spectators and prompting complaints about the intrusion.
During Naomi Osaka’s second‑round triumph, chair umpire Marijana Veljovic repeatedly asked the crowd to lower their volume, emphasizing that even enthusiastic fans must respect the need for concentration on the court. Osaka herself voiced concerns about the growing emphasis on online engagement, stating, “If you attend a sporting event, you have to respect the sport,” and adding, “It’s common courtesy to understand the sport’s etiquette.” The US Open introduced a policy in 2024 that allows fans to move freely throughout the venue without waiting for change‑over intervals, a move intended to enhance the spectator experience.
Since Osaka’s opening match, the tournament has also installed additional signage on the giant video boards, reminding attendees to avoid activities that could disrupt play, such as loud conversations, flash photography, and the use of ring lights. American third seed Jessica Pegula described some of the influencer behavior as “disrespectful.” While she appreciated the exposure that influencers bring to the tournament, she argued that filming and flashing lights during a match cross a line. “People are down there trying to perform. It’s their career and their job.
It seems a bit disrespectful,” she said. Celebrities have long been a fixture in the stands, from Hollywood A‑list stars to former President Donald Trump, with wealthy fans paying premium prices for tickets.
However, the recent surge of influencers—who often view the event as content gold—has introduced new challenges. World No. 4 Coco Gauff welcomed the fresh demographic but cautioned that newcomers should honor the sport’s traditions.
“It’s great to have new fans and it helps grow the sport,” she explained, “but if you’re invited to a red‑carpet event, you wouldn’t show up in jeans. Follow tennis etiquette.” Among the influencers is Eliza Wastcoat, a tennis‑savvy content creator who runs a channel that blends tennis with fashion. A former Lehigh University student and former Wimbledon ball kid, Wastcoat believes influencers can coexist with the sport if both parties collaborate responsibly. She argued, “There is space for influencers to be welcomed into tennis and reach new audiences, but it must be done by those who respect the sport and its etiquette.” She emphasized that brands, tournaments, and individuals all share the responsibility to educate themselves about proper conduct at sporting events.
Wastcoat also highlighted the learning curve for the United States Tennis Association (USTA). She asked, “What’s the balance between issuing credentials to newcomers versus seasoned creators who already understand tennis etiquette?” The USTA, in a statement, affirmed its commitment to giving fans an "incredible time" while ensuring they do not interfere with the action, noting that it continuously reviews what is permitted and prohibited in the stands. The conversation around influencer conduct reflects a broader tension between tradition and modernization in tennis.
As the sport seeks to attract younger, digitally‑native audiences, it must also protect the integrity of the on‑court experience. Players need quiet and focus to execute precise shots, and excessive noise or flashing lights can be detrimental to performance. At the same time, the sport benefits from the exposure that social media provides, which can drive ticket sales, sponsorships, and global interest.
To address these concerns, tournament officials have begun experimenting with designated influencer zones, limiting the use of bright lighting, and enforcing stricter rules on recording during live points. Some propose a credentialing system that requires influencers to complete a brief etiquette tutorial before receiving access. Others suggest that influencers partner with official broadcasters to obtain high‑quality footage, reducing the need for personal recordings that disrupt play. The US Open’s partnership with Sky Sports, NOW, and the Sky Sports App illustrates the importance of broadcast platforms in delivering the tournament to a worldwide audience.
By providing official streams and high‑definition coverage, the tournament can satisfy the demand for content while minimizing the impact of unauthorized recordings in the arena. In summary, the rise of influencers at the US Open has sparked a necessary dialogue about how to balance the sport’s cherished customs with the realities of a digital age. Players like Osaka, Pegula, and Gauff have voiced the need for respect and quiet, while influencers like Wastcoat advocate for a collaborative approach that educates newcomers and preserves the game’s atmosphere.
The USTA’s ongoing efforts to refine policies, educate fans, and find the right mix of credentials aim to ensure that tennis can continue to grow responsibly, offering an inclusive yet respectful experience for all who love the sport.