Archive · 3 Sep 2026
Influencer Photoshoot Briefly Disrupts Naomi Osaka’s US Open Match
Naomi Osaka was playing a tennis match at the US Open.
During the match, people in a suite behind the umpire were taking pictures.
They used bright lights and moved around while the players were competing.
The chair umpire asked them to sit down.
The interruption briefly affected Osaka’s ball toss.
She apologized to her opponent after losing the point.
Osaka then refocused and won the match.
The incident raised questions about whether social-media activities should distract players.
Naomi Osaka’s first-round match against Anastasia Zakharova was briefly interrupted at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Influencers in a hospitality suite reportedly used bright portable lights while taking photographs during the match.
Chair umpire Kader Nouni asked the group to sit down and stop the distracting activity.
Osaka briefly struggled with her ball toss after play resumed and apologized to Zakharova before losing the point.
Osaka recovered to defeat the world No. 101 in straight sets, with both sets decided by tiebreaks.
- Who
- Naomi Osaka played Anastasia Zakharova, while chair umpire Kader Nouni addressed influencers in a hospitality suite.
- What
- A photoshoot briefly disrupted Osaka’s first-round US Open match.
- When
- During Osaka’s first-round match at the 2026 US Open; no more specific time is given.
- Where
- Arthur Ashe Stadium at the US Open.
- Why
- The photoshoot involved bright lights and movement during live play, creating a distraction; the activity was intended to support the tournament’s digital reach.
Digital Reach
Match Etiquette
Role of influencers
Digital Reach
Influencers and content creators are present to help increase the US Open’s digital reach.
Match Etiquette
The incident raised concerns that social-media activities could interfere with players during competition.
Effect on the match
Digital Reach
The photoshoot ended after the umpire intervened, allowing play to continue.
Match Etiquette
The bright lights and movement reportedly distracted the players, and Osaka briefly struggled with her ball toss after play resumed.
- Tournament
- 2026 US Open
- Match
- Naomi Osaka vs. Anastasia Zakharova
- Venue
- Arthur Ashe Stadium
- Disruption
- Influencers reportedly took photographs with bright portable lights in a hospitality suite.
- Official intervention
- Chair umpire Kader Nouni asked the group to take their seats.
- Result
- Osaka won in straight sets, with both sets decided by tiebreaks.
- Opponent ranking
- Zakharova was identified as the world No. 101.