:focal(173x75:175x73)/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2026/09/05/image-734f9669-d305-4b45-8be1-90d11193a790-85-2560-1440.jpeg "Boris Becker and Naomi Osaka Slam Disruptive Influencers at US Open")
Tennis players and tournament officials at the US Open are clashing with spectators filming social media content during live matches, prompting new restrictions on court-side behavior at Flushing Meadows. The friction peaked during the opening-round match of four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka at Arthur Ashe Stadium, where a group of fans filmed a dance video in the stands while play was actively underway.
Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff Address Court-Side Distractions
According to Naomi Osaka, spectator etiquette requires basic preparation and respect for the athletes on the court. Speaking to reporters after her opening match, the Japanese star noted that while growing the sport’s audience through social media is a positive development, the execution needs strict oversight.
“It’s a good thing when people don’t the Tennissport bei ihrem jeweiligen Publikum populär machen,” Osaka stated, emphasizing that crowd behavior must be managed much better during live play. She described basic familiarity with sports etiquette as a fundamental courtesy.
American player Coco Gauff similarly highlighted the disruptive nature of modern content creation. According to Gauff and other tournament competitors, the use of camera flashlights and bright ring lights by content creators directly interferes with visual focus during high-stakes points.
Boris Becker Calls for Strict Enforcement by Tournament Ushers
Former tennis professional Boris Becker weighed in on the controversy, arguing that venue staff must step in to protect the integrity of the game. Becker stated that spectators cannot simply do as they please in the stands because it disrupts both the atmosphere and the rhythm of the match.
“Nein, da muss natürlich der Ordner schauen und sagen, ‘gerne, aber wenn die Spieler sitzen, nicht wenn sie spielen’,” Becker explained, according to statements reported during the tournament. He added that content creators and influencers must respect match play: “Influencer hin, Influencer her.”
US Open Tournament Organizers Implement New Arena Warnings
In response to player complaints and crowd disruptions, US Open organizers updated stadium protocols. Video boards across the tournament venues now display explicit notices asking fans to refrain from using camera flashes or other bright lighting equipment during matches.
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