US Open Influencers Spark Etiquette Backlash from Players — SkimNews
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- USTA doubled content creator accreditations for the 2026 US Open compared to last year, seeking new audiences but triggering etiquette complaints from top players.
- Chair umpire Kader Nouni admonished a group of influencers in a suite for recording video mid-point, while another creator used a bright portable ring light during play.
- Naomi Osaka called it "common courtesy to read up on the sport" after chair umpire Marijana Veljovic repeatedly asked fans to be quiet during her second-round victory.
- Third seed Jessica Pegula said some influencer behavior has been "disrespectful," noting: "People are down there trying to perform. It's their career and their job."
- World No 4 Coco Gauff welcomed the new demographic but drew a line: "If you're being invited to a red carpet, you wouldn't show up in jeans."
- Influencer Eliza Wastcoat said the responsibility is shared between the USTA, brands, and individuals to understand tennis etiquette, calling it a "learning curve."
- The USTA said it is "continually looking for ways" to inform fans about what's permitted, with increased messaging on screens since Osaka's opening match about noise, flash photography, and ring lights.
Why it matters: The USTA made a deliberate growth bet by doubling influencer credentials for 2026, but with three top-10 players publicly calling the conduct "disrespectful" inside the first week of the tournament, organizers face immediate pressure to recalibrate content access before the disruptions normalize into Grand Slam standards.
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