Overview
- The US Open this year significantly expanded creator access, issuing roughly 100 media credentials to influencers and revoking a small number after disruptive incidents.
- Influencers at Flushing Meadows staged photoshoots, used ring lights and recorded during points, forcing umpires to pause at least one match involving Naomi Osaka to ask creators to stop.
- Top players including Naomi Osaka, Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula publicly criticized the behavior and urged that creators learn tennis etiquette before being allowed to film during matches.
- Wimbledon plans to bar a dedicated influencer accreditation, authorize security to confiscate disruptive equipment like ring lights and may invite creators only after a test on proper court etiquette.
- The dispute highlights a split in tournament strategy: the USTA has pushed creator partnerships to grow online reach while SW19 is prioritizing traditional match integrity and stricter on-site enforcement.