Umpire tells influencers to stop photoshoot during US Open
The U.S. Tennis Association expanded its creator program to about 100 credentials, as viral footage showed ring lights and loud filming disrupting play.
- The All England Club announced it will not introduce a dedicated accreditation category for influencers at the 2027 Wimbledon tournament, with security authorized to confiscate disruptive items like ring lights.
- This policy shift follows documented disruptions at the 2026 U.S. Open, where content creators used bright lights and noise during active play, prompting player complaints including from Naomi Osaka.
- The U.S. Open credentialed approximately 100 content creators this year, nearly doubling the 54 granted in 2025, while players including Coco Gauff and Adrian Mannarino publicly criticized the rowdy atmosphere.
- Following the backlash, U.S. Open organizers increased signage prohibiting flash photography and distracting equipment; officials clarified that viral disruptions during Osaka's match involved non-credentialed guests rather than official program members.
- While stars like Gauff acknowledge that creators can introduce tennis to new demographics, the incident highlights growing tension between social media reach and traditional etiquette that tournaments must navigate.
144 Articles
144 Articles
U.S. Open influencers spark backlash over ring lights
Tournament expands creator access as viral disruptions prompt new reminders about tennis etiquette The U.S. Open’s effort to bring more social media creators into one of tennis’ biggest events is generating plenty of attention, just not always for what is happening on the court. The tournament nearly doubled its official content creator program this year, […]
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After the US Open 2026 was disturbed by content creators in the gallery, more interested in their phone than in tennis, the London tournament chose not to accredit them. Recalling the respect due to sport and athletes.
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