Coco Gauff chuckled when questioned about influencers amid ongoing debates over their etiquette at the US Open.
After her second‑round victory over Paula Badosa, Gauff clarified in a press conference that she holds no issue with influencers; the core concern is observing tennis etiquette.
“I think it’s wonderful to bring a new audience to the sport. I have nothing against influencers—I’ve met several and follow many online,” said world No. 4 Coco Gauff on Thursday. “Fortunately, the influencers I follow understand the etiquette and know the game well.”
Coco Gauff says she believes influencers at tennis tournaments can help grow the sport, but they need to follow the etiquette of the sport, ‘If you’re being invited to a red carpet, you wouldn’t show up in jeans. I think it’s just follow the etiquette of the sport’
“I think it’s… pic.twitter.com/KDudz7ii2e
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) September 4, 2026
“Whatever venue you attend, you must respect its etiquette. I also believe brands could help by posting clear signage in suites, especially for newcomers who may be more familiar with basketball than tennis.”
“I especially object to flash photography—it distracts me. I’m usually tolerant of noise, but flashes during points are unacceptable. Keep your voice down; even on Arthur Ashe, a naturally loud arena, avoid shouting or mouthing TikToks while play is underway.”
“This isn’t just about the players; it also enhances the experience for everyone nearby. I welcome the fresh audience and believe it can help grow tennis—provided we all follow the same basic etiquette, just as you wouldn’t wear jeans to a red‑carpet event.”
Influencers became a hot topic at Flushing Meadows after a few disrupted Monday’s first‑round clash between Naomi Osaka and Anastasia Zakharova at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The chair umpire halted play after an overzealous group of influencers filmed content from a suite balcony, a moment captured in a widely shared video.
One viral clip showed a woman in a polka‑dot dress posing for photos and using a bright light while the match was in progress.
Four‑time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka commented when a reporter asked whether she had been distracted during her opening match.
“Today the umpire asked the crowd to be silent more often than I’ve ever heard,” Osaka said on Thursday after her second‑round win over Katerina Siniakova.
“In my first match I wasn’t fully focused. I usually concentrate solely on the game, but there was a moment when shouting from the crowd was clearly audible, and I believe it also affected my opponent.”
Osaka, who said the lights didn’t disturb her, raised the issue of etiquette when discussing this new wave of fans and tennis traditions.
“That’s a difficult question,” Osaka said. “Obviously, attending any sporting event demands respect for the sport. It’s common courtesy to learn the basics, especially etiquette. I see potential for new audiences to popularize tennis within their own communities, but we need better management—particularly in situations like my first‑round match.”
“Overall, the positives are significant, and I’m not the one to dictate how we should grow the sport. I simply believe growth must happen in a way where everyone understands the rules and observes proper etiquette.”
Corey Sipkin for the NY POST
After the viral incident, the US Open issued a public notice concerning photography and lighting.
“Please refrain from using flash photography or any other lighting during play. Thank you and enjoy the tennis!” read the sign outside Louis Armstrong Stadium.
This has ignited a broader discussion about brands inviting influencers and creators to sporting events, and about maintaining proper tennis etiquette.
