A huge discussion around tennis etiquette has been sparked at the US Open due to the disruption caused by a growing number of content creators and influencers at Flushing Meadows. The number of content creators who have been accredited to cover this year's final Grand Slam of the year has doubled from last year in a move by organisers to reach new audiences. Yet the noise and disturbance caused by them in the stands as been felt by players on court.
Chair umpire Kader Nouni admonished a group of influencers in a suite for recording a video in the middle of a point, while another incident saw a creator using the use of a bright portable ring light to take photos. Meanwhile, in Naomi Osaka's second-round victory, chair umpire Marijana Veljovic asked fans several times to be quiet. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Some players have questioned whether the push for online engagement has gone too far with two-time champion Osaka saying: "I think obviously if you come to a sporting event, you have to respect the sport.".
"I feel like it's common courtesy to read up on the sport, especially the etiquette." The US Open introduced a policy of free fan movement in 2024, meaning spectators no longer have to wait to take their seats during changeovers. And since Osaka's opening match, there has been increased messaging on screens reminding people to refrain from any activity that could disrupt the game, including noise levels, flash photography and ring lights. American and third seed Jessica Pegula has said some of the behaviour has been "disrespectful".
"I can appreciate the influencers coming and showcasing the US Open experience," she said. "But I do think that it's tough when you see videos when they're taking pictures and using the selfie lights. "People are down there trying to perform.
It's their career and their job. It seems a bit disrespectful." Celebrities have long been ubiquitous in the stands - from A-list stars to US President Donald Trump - as the ultra-wealthy shell out thousands of dollars for seats to get through Flushing Meadows' doors. But the growing love affair between influencers and the premier American tennis event has caused some growing pains.
World No 4 Coco Gauff welcomed the influx of new fans but said they should respect the traditions of tennis. "I definitely think it's cool to have a new demographic and I definitely think it helps grow the sport," she said. "But if you're being invited to a red carpet, you wouldn't show up in jeans.
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