The 2026 US Open saw around 100 influencers and content creators accredited, double last year’s number, stirring debate over tennis etiquette and fan behavior at the event [1, 2, 3, 4]. Among them, about 20 focused on covering the food and beverage scene, highlighting the growing influence of lifestyle content within the tournament [1, 5, 3].
During Naomi Osaka’s first-round match on September 1, a group of influencers used ring lights and staged photo shoots in the stands, disrupting play. The chair umpire had to reprimand the group for the distraction as Osaka was serving [1, 2, 4, 6]. Osaka later expressed frustration, telling reporters, "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" [4]. Following her second-round win, she added that influencer involvement could popularize tennis but needed better management, especially after disruptions during her matches [2].
Other players shared their views on the issue. Jessica Pegula called some influencer behavior "a bit disrespectful," referring to selfies and selfie lights used during match play: "People are down there trying to perform. It’s their career and their job" [4]. World number four Coco Gauff welcomed the new demographics the influencers bring but stressed the importance of following tennis etiquette: "If you’re being invited to a red carpet, you wouldn’t show up in jeans. I think it’s just about following the etiquette of the sport" [4].
Chair umpires repeatedly had to ask spectators during Osaka’s second-round match on September 4 to quiet down amid crowd noise from fans, including influencers, displaying disruptive behavior [2, 4]. US Open organizers posted signs to discourage flash photography and the use of additional lighting, emphasizing that fans should enjoy the tournament without interfering with on-court action [4, 6]. A US Open spokesperson, Brendan McIntyre, said, "We’re excited a lot of new fans are attending the tennis tournament, but want to remind attendees that they shouldn’t interfere with the action and competition on the court" [6].
The US Open instituted a free fan movement policy in 2024, allowing spectators to move around the stadium during match play to enhance fan experience, which some say contributed to increased crowd noise and distractions [4]. Despite the disruptions, tennis fans continue to attend in large numbers and enjoy the event’s amenities and festivities [1, 6].
The tournament continues through September 13, with organizers expected to monitor fan behavior closely as matches progress.
