The US Open is facing criticism as a growing number of social media influencers are accused of disrupting the tournament with behavior deemed narcissistic and disrespectful to players and fans. The issue gained widespread attention when a group of influencers in a luxury suite were reportedly heard loudly reciting a Kim Kardashian quote and performing for a camera with a ring light during a match involving Naomi Osaka and Anastasia Zakharova.
The disruption was significant enough that the umpire stopped play to address the noisy suite. The incident, which quickly went viral on social media platform X, has led to a widespread sentiment among spectators that influencers are detracting from the sporting event.
This behavior has become a recurring theme at the tournament. Another instance described involved an influencer posing for photos with a ring light while a match was in progress. Jessica Pegula, ranked third in the world, commented that the influencer behavior has become "a little too much this year" and appears "a bit disrespectful" to the athletes whose careers depend on the matches.
Concerns are also being raised about the USTA's credentialing process. The number of credentials issued to content creators has reportedly nearly doubled, with 54 distributed in 2025. While some content creators provide informed coverage, others are criticized for treating the tournament as a backdrop for their personal brand.
Coco Gauff, the 2023 US Open singles champion, stated that attendees should follow the etiquette of the sport, drawing an analogy to attending a red carpet event. While Gauff acknowledged that influencers can help grow the sport by attracting a "new demographic," many believe these individuals are primarily focused on self-promotion rather than appreciating tennis.
The cost of attending the US Open has also been a point of contention. Significant renovations at Arthur Ashe Stadium have led to the elimination of less expensive seating options, making it harder for average fans to attend. Critics argue that the focus on luxury suites and influencer access sidelines dedicated fans.
In response to some of the disruptive behavior, the USTA has issued warnings against flash photography during play. Furthermore, two influencers who received credentials through a restaurant partnership had their passes revoked after posting images of their credentials online, a move the USTA stated was due to improper credentialing.