100 influencers invited to US Open spark debate on 'tennis etiquette'

ByHarry Poole BBC Sport journalist. Lights.

Key points

• American 11th seed Frances Tiafoe praised the diversity of the crowd in New York.
• Around 100 influencers and content creators have been granted accreditation for the tournament in New York – double the amount from last year.
• During two-time champion Naomi Osaka's first-round match on Arthur Ashe Stadium, one group held a photo shoot in their hospitality suite while play was going on.
• The US Open introduced a policy of free fan movement in 2024, meaning fans no longer have to wait to take their seats during changeovers.
• When Osaka returned on Thursday, the umpire had to remind the crowd a number of times to be quiet.

ByHarry Poole BBC Sport journalist. Lights. Camera. Quiet please.

When it comes to etiquette in tennis, there are a fair few unwritten rules.

Apologising after winning a point from a net cord. Honesty around line calls, double bounces and double-hits. Post-match handshakes.

As for the spectators, it is common courtesy not to disturb the players during points.

Their presence has led to debate over how to balance bringing tennis to a new, different audience while respecting the game's etiquette.

"I definitely think it's cool to have a new demographic and I definitely think it helps grow the sport, " world number four Coco Gauff remarked.

But if you're being invited to a red carpet, you wouldn't show up in jeans.

"I think it's just follow the etiquette of the sport. That's all."

For context, the group turned on a portable ring light while Osaka was serving, leading to a reprimand from the umpire.

"Today the umpire told everyone to be quiet more than I've ever heard an umpire tell a crowd to be quiet, " Osaka remarked.

I tell individuals I normally just focus on the match and the court, but there was a moment where there was residents shouting and you could hear it quite clearly. I think it bothered my opponent, too.

In one video, which has gone viral, a group can be seen speaking loudly as they film themselves during Osaka's first-round match on Tuesday. It led to the chair umpire calling for them to stop.

"I think obviously if you come to a sporting event, you have to respect the sport, " Osaka remarked.

I feel like it's common courtesy to read up on the sport, especially the etiquette.

It could be a good thing for individuals to produce the sport of tennis popular to their specific audience, but I think it has to be managed a lot better, especially in the situation like my first-round match.

Overall, I think there are massive positives. You want individuals to continue to grow the sport.

"I just think it has to be in a way that everyone knows the rules and the etiquette." No Britons left in US Open singles as Dart & Jones lose. 'More upside than downside' or 'a little too much'?

Arthur Ashe is the biggest tennis stadium in the world, and matches are often accompanied by a buzz of noise from conversations around the arena. Some players love it. Some do not.

Men's seventh seed Daniil Medvedev. This person has had a tricky relationship with the New York crowds previously, believes whatever brings more eyes to tennis can only be a good thing.

"I think the more we try to raise awareness about tennis, the better it is, the more popular the sport is, " the Russian remarked.

The more the sport grows, the better it is. I trust USTA [tournament organisers the United States Tennis Association] with what they are doing.

"I think a lot more upside than downside, so go for it."

"I think the Open is great because you get all types of people that want to come and watch tennis, " he remarked.

All different walks of life, different types of individuals, different type of occupations. Personally, I love that.

"I have no problem with anybody doing anything, coming to watch the tennis."

American world number three Jessica Pegula, nevertheless, stated some of the behaviour had been "disrespectful".

"I can appreciate the influencers coming and showcasing the US Open experience, " Pegula remarked.

But I do think that it's tough when you see videos when they're taking pictures and using the selfie lights.

"Individuals are down there trying to perform. It's their career and their job. It seems a bit disrespectful. "I think it's become a little too much this year.

"I can appreciate one side of it, but I think when you have the other side literally interrupting matches, it gets a little tough."

In practice, the US Open introduced a policy of free fan movement in 2024, meaning fans no longer have to wait to take their seats during changeovers.

For context, a year afterwards, the tournament was expanded to 15 days. The week before the singles draw is now marketed as a 'Fan Week', showcasing the revamped mixed doubles competition and exhibition matches between players past and present.

It is all part of what tournament chief executive Craig Tiley hopes will become "the tennis Disneyland".

Tiley, asked regarding influencers being accredited in a pre-tournament news conference, stated: We need to find ways of reaching new audiences, reaching individuals in a way that they connect with media today.

"The creation of the creator credential has been a key part of that since it's enabled us to talk to residents in a way that they're listening. That's been a major focus."

Since the incident in Osaka's first match, there has been rose messaging on screens around the ground reminding residents to "refrain from any activity that could disrupt the game, including noise levels, flash photography and ring lights".

For now, 100 influencers invited to US Open spark debate on ' tennis etiquette&#039 remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.