Naomi Osaka has called on influencers attending the U.S. Open to educate themselves on tennis etiquette after a disruptive incident involving spectators during her first-round match. The four-time Grand Slam champion noted that a group in a luxury suite was reportedly staging an impromptu photoshoot, complete with portable lights, while she was preparing to serve.
The chair umpire addressed the spectators, asking them to take their seats. While Osaka stated she was primarily focused on her match, she later commented on the need for attendees to respect the sport and its customs.
"I think obviously, if you come to a sporting event, you have to respect the sport," Osaka said following her second-round victory. "And I feel like it's common courtesy to read up on the sport, especially the etiquette."
She suggested that while it is positive for influencers to help popularize tennis, this must be managed effectively, particularly during early-round matches. "I just think it has to be in a way that everyone knows the rules and the etiquette," she added.
Traditionally, tennis etiquette discourages fan movement and conversation during points, with spectators expected to remain seated and quiet until changeovers or set breaks. However, the U.S. Open implemented a "free fan movement" policy in 2024, allowing spectators to move during points. Osaka indicated that the noise from the crowd, rather than the visual distractions like lights, was more bothersome during her matches.
"I was going to say today the umpire, she told everyone to be quiet more than I've ever heard an umpire tell a crowd to be quiet," Osaka stated. "I do think in my first match, I wasn't really paying attention. I tell people I normally just focus on the match and the court, but there was a moment where there was, like, people shouting, and you could hear it quite clearly. I think it bothered my opponent, too."
A U.S. Open spokesperson, Brendan McIntyre, head of communications, acknowledged such incidents. "We want our fans and guests to have an incredible time when they attend the U.S. Open, but we also need to ensure that does not interfere with the action and competition on the court," McIntyre said. "These instances happen infrequently, and similar to when crowd noise reaches a certain level, our chair umpires have the ability to address the crowd when they occur."