Tennis players criticise social media influencers at US Open
Naomi Osaka and others say influencers are disrupting matches; organisers have put up etiquette reminders.
The Full Story
A plain summary built from the channels that reported this story.
The US Open has become the latest stage in a growing culture clash between tennis tradition and the world of social media influencers, as players complain that content creators are disrupting matches.
Two-time champion Naomi Osaka has been the most vocal critic. She said influencers need to be more thoughtful, adding that it is common courtesy to read up on the sport and its etiquette. The umpire had to ask for quiet three times during one of her matches, and she said her opponent was also bothered by the noise.
Around 100 influencers have been accredited for this year's tournament, double the number from last year. Some have been seen filming themselves with bright lights during play, and others have been told off by umpires. Tournament organisers say they are happy to welcome new fans but insist they need to learn the rules.
The row has sparked a wider debate about how tennis can grow its audience without losing its traditional values. Some observers argue that brands sponsoring influencers should provide clearer guidance about behaviour in the stands. Others point out that the US Open has always had a party atmosphere, but players should not have to address such distractions in press conferences.
In response, the US Tennis Association has put up signs reminding spectators to be courteous. One content creator caught in the act said point taken. But as mobile phones become more pervasive, the question remains whether tennis can hold on to its etiquette.
On screen
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Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.
| Claim | BBC One | ITV |
|---|---|---|
| Around 100 influencers were accredited at the US Open, double last year's number. | ||
| Umpire asked for quiet three times during Naomi Osaka's second round win. | ||
| US Open organisers put up signs reminding people to be courteous and said they need to ensure the action is not interfered with. | ||
| Tournament organisers said they welcome new fans but they need to know the rules. | · |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
This segment leads with the players' criticism, focusing on Naomi Osaka's call for better etiquette. It presents the issue as a clash between tennis tradition and the sport's attempt to reach a younger audience. It also includes broader examples of influencers in sport, such as Messi and iShowSpeed, and quotes an unnamed person suggesting brands should provide clearer guidance. The tone is balanced but slightly concerned about the impact on traditional values.
- “Forget playing, for some it's all about the posing.”
- “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.”
- “Tennis traditionalists, then, may hope the sport's new audience doesn't come at the cost of its old values.”
This segment is shorter and similar to the first, but it specifically mentions that the disruption happened in Osaka's first round match, not second. It also frames the story with a contrast: 'Most tennis lovers understand that it's probably a good idea to stay quiet during play. Not so for some social media influencers...' The tone is more straightforward and less editorialising than the first, but still highlights the organisers' stance.
- “Most tennis lovers understand that it's probably a good idea to stay quiet during play. Not so for some social media influencers and online content creators at the US Open.”
- “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.”
This report is more detailed and vivid, describing specific incidents such as a photo shoot in a suite and the umpire asking people to take their seats. It places the story in the context of the US Open's reputation as the liveliest major and questions whether the tournament is prioritising content creation over the sport. It also includes the organisers' response (signs) and a content creator's reaction, ending with a reflection on mobile phone etiquette.
- “The invasion of influencers, leaving tennis fans grimacing.”
- “In a world where mobile phones are making us forget our manners, maybe tennis can remind us of etiquette. More game set match than game set snap.”
Broadcast Timeline
News broadcasts tracked for this story, in time order.