US Open Influencers Test Tennis Etiquette Boundaries
· side-hustles
How Influencers at US Open are Testing Boundaries of Tennis Etiquette
The US Open has long been a stage for tennis’ elite, but this year’s tournament has brought to light a growing concern: the increasingly invasive presence of social media influencers in the stands. As top players like Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff have weighed in on the issue, it’s clear that something needs to be done to strike a balance between embracing new fans and preserving the integrity of the game.
The US Open has doubled its accreditation for influencers from last year, an effort to reach new audiences and grow the sport. However, this growth must be done thoughtfully. The influx of content creators is not just about noise levels or disruptions during play; it’s also about respect for the athletes themselves.
Tennis is a professional competition, not a backdrop for social media feeds. As Osaka noted, “If you come to a sporting event, you have to respect the sport.” Celebrities have long been a part of the US Open scene, but their presence has always been viewed as a luxury rather than an intrusion. Influencers, on the other hand, often seem to think they’re above the rules.
They use ring lights and selfie sticks to create content that distracts from the action on court. This is not just about being “disrespectful,” as Pegula put it; it’s about fundamentally misunderstanding what tennis is all about. The US Open has a long history of innovation, but this experiment with social media influencers needs to be reassessed.
Some influencers, like Eliza Wastcoat, who has launched her own tennis-focused social media channel, offer a nuanced perspective on the issue. She believes that there is room for influencers in tennis, but only if they’re willing to learn about and respect the sport. “Tennis has really opened up its doors to change,” she notes, “but ultimately players need some quiet and the ability to concentrate.”
This is a crucial point: tennis may be evolving, but it’s not a playground for social media personalities. The USTA needs to find a balance between embracing new fans and preserving the integrity of the game. As Wastcoat asks, “What’s the balance of how many credentials or tickets do we give to folks who are new, or how many do we give to creators who know and appreciate the sport?”
This is a question that needs an answer, lest the US Open becomes a sideshow for social media fame rather than a premier sporting event. The stakes are high, but the solution isn’t complicated. It’s time for the USTA to rethink its approach to influencers and content creators, prioritizing respect for the athletes and the game above all else. Only then can tennis truly grow as a sport, without sacrificing its integrity in the process.
Reader Views
- THThe Hustle Desk · editorial
The US Open's experiment with social media influencers has exposed a larger issue: the commodification of sports for content creation. While some influencers genuinely appreciate tennis and respect its traditions, many others prioritize their online presence over the game itself. The tournament needs to establish clear guidelines for influencer accreditation, ensuring that these individuals understand they're guests at an elite sporting event, not freelance photographers on assignment. This may require a more nuanced approach than simply doubling accreditation numbers or issuing polite reminders about etiquette.
- MLMei L. · etsy seller
It's time for the US Open to rethink its influencer accreditation strategy. While I appreciate the effort to grow tennis' online presence, the current approach is blurring the lines between fans and content creators. What's missing from this conversation is a clear definition of what constitutes "respectful" behavior from influencers. Is it simply not using ring lights or selfie sticks, or does it extend to adhering to traditional tennis etiquette? The US Open should establish strict guidelines for influencer conduct and hold them accountable, rather than relying on player complaints and media scrutiny.
- RHRiley H. · indie hacker
The US Open's influencer experiment has blown up in their face, and it's about time they reevaluate this marketing strategy. The problem isn't just the noise levels or selfie sticks; it's that these influencers are treating tennis like a backdrop for their personal brand, rather than a sport to be respected and appreciated. What's missing from this discussion is the economic angle: how many of these influencers are actually driving real revenue growth for the US Open, versus creating a minor distraction from the game? Until we see some concrete numbers on return on investment, I'll remain skeptical about their value to the tournament.