The US Open has seen a significant increase in influencer attendance this year, with around 100 content creators invited, double the previous year. This has sparked discussions about maintaining tennis etiquette, especially after incidents where influencers disrupted matches, such as during Naomi Osaka's first-round game. Players have expressed mixed feelings, balancing the benefits of attracting new audiences with the need to respect the sport's traditions.
While some players, like Coco Gauff and Daniil Medvedev, see potential in expanding the sport's reach, others, including Jessica Pegula, have criticized certain behaviors as disrespectful. The USTA is working to ensure that fan engagement does not interfere with the competition, highlighting the ongoing challenge of integrating new audiences while preserving the integrity of the game.