Archive · 7 Sep 2026
US Open Influencer Access Sparks Debate Over Tennis Etiquette
The 2026 US Open gave special passes to many influencers who make online videos.
The United States Tennis Association wanted to help more young people discover tennis.
Nearly 100 influencer passes were issued this year, compared with 54 last year.
Their posts created millions of extra interactions online.
However, some fans say certain creators are distracting players during matches.
Ring lights, flash photography, filming, and movement in the stands have caused complaints.
Naomi Osaka and Jessica Pegula said people should respect tennis rules and traditions.
Aryna Sabalenka also stopped a match after noticing a strong cannabis smell, although the article did not connect that incident directly to influencers.
The 2026 US Open has faced criticism over expanded access for influencers and digital creators.
The United States Tennis Association issued nearly 100 influencer passes this year, compared with 54 in 2025.
Organizers say the program aims to reach younger audiences and expand the tournament’s global visibility.
Critics say ring lights, flash photography, filming, and crowd movement have disrupted matches and weakened tennis etiquette.
Naomi Osaka and Jessica Pegula criticized disruptive behavior, while Aryna Sabalenka separately stopped play after reporting a cannabis smell.
- Who
- The United States Tennis Association, influencers, tennis fans, and players including Naomi Osaka, Jessica Pegula, and Aryna Sabalenka.
- What
- The US Open’s expanded influencer-access program has prompted criticism over disruptions and tennis etiquette.
- When
- During the 2026 US Open; the comparison cited for influencer passes was 2025.
- Where
- The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Queens.
- Why
- The United States Tennis Association expanded access to broaden tennis’s audience, while critics objected to behavior they say distracts players and undermines the sport’s decorum.
Organizers and Digital Creators
Traditional Fans and Critics
Expanding the audience
Organizers and Digital Creators
The United States Tennis Association expanded influencer credentials to reach younger audiences, increase social-media engagement, and broaden tennis’s global visibility.
Traditional Fans and Critics
Traditional supporters argue that prioritizing online visibility can undermine the US Open’s established atmosphere and prestige.
Conduct at matches
Organizers and Digital Creators
Influencer access can bring fresh attention and new audiences to the sport.
Traditional Fans and Critics
Critics say some influencers have used ring lights, flash photography, filming, and disruptive movement that distract players and require umpires to halt play.
Rules and etiquette
Organizers and Digital Creators
The article suggests influencer participation could continue if creators learn and follow tennis’s rules and regulations.
Traditional Fans and Critics
Players and fans say newcomers must respect silence, concentration, and other unwritten standards of tennis etiquette.
- Tournament
- 2026 US Open
- Influencer passes in 2026
- Close to 100
- Influencer passes in 2025
- 54
- Program goal
- Reach younger audiences and increase the tournament’s global social-media visibility
- Reported disruptions
- Ring lights, flash photography, filming, and movement in the stands
- Player concerns
- Naomi Osaka and Jessica Pegula criticized or expressed concern about disruptive conduct
- Separate match interruption
- Aryna Sabalenka reported a strong cannabis smell during her match against Kamilia Rakhimova