A debate has erupted over whether influencers should be allowed at the US Open after videos showed spectators disrupting matches and raised concerns about traditional tennis etiquette.
In widely circulated clips seen by TNX Africa, a spectator used a bright ring light to take photos during Naomi Osaka’s opening-round victory over Anastasia Zakharova.
In another incident, a group in a private box filmed themselves so loudly that the umpire had to tell them to sit down.
The incidents sparked criticism on social media, with some major news outlets suggesting that social media creators were ruining the tournament.
However, ESPN reported that the United States Tennis Association (USTA) has expanded its creator programme this year, issuing about 100 media passes, up from 54 in 2025.
The programme includes digital staff from traditional news organisations such as Time and the Associated Press, as well as vetted independent creators. The USTA says the initiative is designed to reach new audiences and introduce tennis to fans on modern social media platforms.
Approved creators are required to follow strict guidelines and submit detailed coverage plans to ensure their work does not interfere with matches.
Christian Basnight, creator of the popular tennis channel “Christian’s Court”, criticised the backlash against the programme. After receiving an official pass following the submission of a detailed coverage plan, Basnight said accredited creators were focused on promoting the sport and providing coverage.
He rejected suggestions that the USTA was carelessly handing out credentials to disruptive influencers, describing the claim as inaccurate.
Players and officials have expressed mixed views about the growing presence of online creators and new types of fans at the tournament.
Osaka said attracting new audiences was positive but stressed that spectators should understand and observe basic tennis etiquette.
“I think obviously if you come to a sporting event, you have to respect the sport. And I feel like it’s common courtesy to read up on the sport, especially the etiquette,” Osaka told reporters.
“I feel like it could be a good thing for people to make the sport of tennis popular to their specific audience, but I think it has to be managed a lot better, especially in a situation like my first-round match.”
Daniil Medvedev, however, viewed some of the minor noise as a reasonable trade-off for helping the sport grow globally.
Jessica Pegula also welcomed promotional content showcasing the tournament but said court-side selfie lights could be disrespectful to players trying to compete.
USTA spokesperson Brendan McIntyre said fan enthusiasm was welcome as long as it did not interfere with play.
“Fan enthusiasm is great for tennis, so long as it does not interfere with the action on the court,” McIntyre said.
The USTA has also placed signs around the stadium banning flash photography and ring lights, while sending direct messages to ticket holders reminding them of crowd rules.
Beyond the debate over fan behaviour, the tournament has attracted large crowds for its high-stakes matches and a star-studded audience.
According to DraftKings, Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz were among the leading men’s favourites, while Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek and Pegula were among the leading women’s contenders.
Notable guests at the tournament have included Roger Federer, Travis Scott, Jimmy Fallon, MrBeast, Katie Ledecky, Ben Stiller, Anthony Mackie and Maya Rudolph
