Overview
- The U.S. Open this year issued roughly 100 media credentials to content creators, a program the USTA expanded to grow social reach.
- During the tournament, the chair umpire paused Naomi Osaka’s first‑round match on Monday after a group of creators used bright lights and filmed during play.
- Top players including Osaka, Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula publicly criticized the behaviour, citing flash lighting, loud filming and other distractions.
- The U.S. Open responded with posted etiquette notices, umpire interventions and the revocation of a small number of credentials, while Wimbledon announced it will not credential influencers and will confiscate disruptive equipment.
- Wimbledon’s stance reflects its tradition of stricter spectator rules and could push majors to formalize enforcement around equipment, access and possible etiquette checks for guests, though proposals like a mandatory etiquette test remain unconfirmed.