Influencers Invited to US Open Spark Debate Over Tennis Etiquette

Sun Sep 06 2026 01:36:14 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

US Open 2026 welcomes 100 influencers, sparking debate over noise and etiquette as players call for respect.

The 2026 US Open in New York has doubled the number of accredited influencers from 50 to 100, raising concerns about disruptions to the game. Players such as Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff have voiced worries about noisy ring lights and selfie cameras during important matches. Meanwhile, tournament director Craig Tiley touts the expansion as a way to bring new audiences to tennis, while the USTA stresses clear rules for fan behaviour. Critics like Jessica Pegula label the increased presence as "disrespectful" when it interferes with play. The USTA has responded with explicit messaging to keep noise and flash photography to a minimum.

US Open 2026 has invited almost 100 social‑media influencers and content creators to the New York tournament, effectively doubling the number of accredited guests that were allowed at last year’s event. The move has ignited a debate in the tennis world over how far the sport can push its fan experience into the age of instant livestreams and viral video clips.

The influx of the most‑wanted creators has been met with a mixed reaction from players and organisers alike. The tournament’s CEO, Craig Tiley, emphasised that the policy is a key tool for reaching younger audiences, and he has described the new format as a “tennis Disneyland.” The United States Tennis Association (USTA) has also issued more extensive on‑court reminders, asking visitors to refrain from flash photography, ring lights and excessive noise during play.

Players’ reactions have ranged from supportive to critical. World number four Coco Gauff welcomed the “new demographic” but urged everyone to “follow the etiquette of the sport.” Naomi Osaka was more outspoken after a group of influencers lit up a portable ring light during her first‑round match against a sit‑down crowd. She described the umpire’s repeatedly reminding the audience to be quiet as “the loudest I’ve ever heard.” Osaka also noted that she felt the noise “bothered my opponent, too.”

Tennis veterans have commented that, although the expansion increases viewership, it risks turning serious contests into a backdrop for behind‑the‑scenes content. American number three Jessica Pegula has called influencer behaviour “disrespectful” when it interferes with players who are trying to perform on the court, stating that “there’s a little too much this year.” Conversely, Medvedev and Tiafoe praised the “diversity” and excitement that the crowds bring, emphasising the need for the sport to keep growing and be more accessible.

The USTA’s 2024 free fan‑movement policy, which allowed fans to move during change‑overs, was expanded to a 15‑day format in 2025, adding a “Fan Week” that featured mixed‑doubles and exhibition matches. These changes coincide with an expanding list of “Creator Credentials,” as the organisation seeks to engage audiences in new ways while preserving the integrity of the sport.