Wimbledon Prepares to Crack Down on Influencers Ahead of Tournament

Wimbledon will not permit a surge of influencers this year, aiming to prevent the disruptions that have plagued the recent US Open.

The All England Club will also confiscate devices such as ring lights that could interfere with matches.

Flushing Meadows saw multiple matches interrupted by spectators using bright lighting and creating noise during points.

Players including Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka urged fans — some perhaps unfamiliar with tennis — to respect the sport’s etiquette, while large screens around the venue displayed similar reminders.

The tournament accredited 100 content creators alongside traditional journalists and broadcasters.

The Press Association understands that Wimbledon will offer no accreditation category for influencers or content creators, and the club’s entry conditions prohibit any items that could disrupt matches.

Wimbledon reviews all its policies, including social media guidelines, as part of an annual assessment.

The US Open is typically a louder affair than the more restrained Wimbledon, with music blasting from show courts and spectators frequently leaving their seats during points.

Marijuana odor drifting from nearby Corona Park has also caused complaints around the outer courts.

French veteran Adrian Mannarino was the latest player to voice concerns, telling reporters: “People are allowed to move around in the crowd during points. The tournament puts up with it, and I don’t know if it’s the best thing for tennis in general. There’s a smell of marijuana on the court, noise everywhere. The truth is it’s turning into a bit of a zoo.”

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