100 influencers invited to US Open spark debate on ‘tennis etiquette’

The presence of influencers and content creators at the US Open in New York has sparked a debate about balancing the promotion of tennis to new audiences with maintaining the sport’s traditional etiquette. With around 100 influencers accredited, double from last year, their activities have sometimes disrupted matches, as seen during Naomi Osaka’s game when a group conducted a photo shoot with a ring light, prompting umpire intervention. Players like Coco Gauff and Osaka emphasize the importance of respecting tennis etiquette, suggesting that while attracting new fans is beneficial, it should be done with an understanding of the sport’s rules. Daniil Medvedev supports raising tennis awareness, believing it benefits the sport’s popularity. The challenge lies in managing this new dynamic to ensure the integrity of the game is preserved while engaging a broader audience. QUESTION: How might the presence of influencers at sporting events change the way these events are experienced by both players and traditional fans?