Tennis fans have voiced strong disapproval of the growing influencer presence at the U.S. Open, with several incidents disrupting matches and drawing criticism. The backlash intensified this week after videos circulated showing influencers causing disturbances during play, including one instance where a woman used a large ring light during a match involving Naomi Osaka.
Justin Morelli, creator of "The ShotClock" and a credentialed influencer for the Open, noted that this issue has been building for years. "The influencer space has exploded, especially in sports and big events that people like to frequent," Morelli said. "I think this has been brewing the last couple of years, it just didn’t get reported. This year, it’s kind of gone crazy."
During Osaka's match against Anastasia Zakharova, a chair umpire had to intervene due to disruptions. Similar incidents included a group of influencers in a luxury suite recording content and speaking in unison, disturbing spectators. These events have sparked a wider conversation about the tournament's strategy to attract a broader audience through social media personalities.
Morelli acknowledged that influencers can be beneficial for promoting the sport and increasing attendance and viewership. "Even if it’s as a casual thing, I think that’s better than nothing," he stated. However, he also emphasized the need for influencers to be mindful of the game's integrity. "But at the same time, I think there’s probably a better way to police some of the things that maybe affect the root of the game, which is sometimes people taking photos during a point or something that would distract players on the court to take away from the actual game of tennis," Morelli added.
Food and lifestyle influencer Alyssa La Spisa, also credentialed for the U.S. Open, agreed that influencers must be "mindful" of the event's focus. She cautioned against a "blanket statement" response, arguing that not all disruptions stem solely from the tournament's content creator credential program. La Spisa pointed out that brands also invite influencers to their suites, and she has observed similar pushback at other events, such as Formula 1 races, which have also seen increased popularity due to influencer engagement.
The U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) has increased the number of media credentials issued to content creators, with close to 100 issued this year, compared to 54 in 2025. This expansion has coincided with the rising fan frustration.
Even players have noticed the change. Jessica Pegula, ranked No. 3, stated that while she can "appreciate" how influencers can showcase the U.S. Open, disruptions to matches are "tough." Following her second-round match, Naomi Osaka commented that the umpire had instructed the crowd to be quiet more than she had ever heard.
Morelli suggested that the backlash against influencers might be slightly exaggerated when compared to other disruptions in sports, such as a fan entering the playing area. He believes that while some individuals may lack respect for the game, the number of influencers who positively contribute to it is greater.