The lively atmosphere at the US Open is one of the tournament’s biggest attractions, but recent fan behavior has raised concerns. In many matches so far, players and officials have had to deal with disruptions, including loud fans, top seed Alexander Zverev getting unwanted coaching advice from the stands, and repeated heckling of players.
Disruptive Fans Take Center Stage at US Open as Jakub Menšík and Alexander Zverev React
In the third-round match between Jakub Menšík and Learner Tien, which lasted nearly four hours, tensions were also high in the stands. During the fourth set, a reportedly intoxicated fan repeatedly taunted the Czech player at key points. Frustrated by his behavior, Menšík approached the chair umpire and asked for action to be taken.
Security then stepped in and escorted the spectator out of Louis Armstrong Stadium as the crowd cheered. The American eventually completed the comeback, winning 6-3, 1-6, 6-7, 6-3, and 6-4 after Menšík had been close to victory.
Jakub Mensik gets what he and Armstrong fans want after they chanted “Kick him out”, a clown fan being told to leave, as he gets up without security coming before they escorted him out.
Back to the on court drama with Learner Tien.
🎥 @TWDTV1 #usopen pic.twitter.com/X38XHUOh89
— Andrew Jerell Jones, Luke 1:37 (BlueSky too now) (@sluggahjells) September 6, 2026
But it was not just the outer courts. Zverev had his own unusual exchange with a fan during his evening match against Alejandro Tabilo.
While winning 6-2, 7-6(2), 6-2, Zverev was repeatedly distracted by a spectator giving him unsolicited coaching advice from the stands. The German eventually turned to the fan and responded sarcastically.
“I already have a coach, and I give him a lot of money,” Zverev replied before turning his focus back to the match.
— MO Videos 🇪🇬🇮🇹 (@mo_videos) September 6, 2026
The latest incident adds to a growing list of unusual controversies this time at Flushing Meadows.
During Aryna Sabalenka’s Round of 16 match against Taylor Townsend, the noise inside Arthur Ashe Stadium was so loud that one post on social media joked, “You know it’s too loud in Arthur Ashe when you can’t even hear Aryna Sabalenka’s yelling.”
Wimbledon could never😭 pic.twitter.com/TxSBTaTD8F
— Jai (@VikaArynafansss) September 6, 2026
The smell of marijuana at Court 17 and at Louis Armstrong Stadium has also been a talking point, with players, including Sabalenka, speaking out about the strong odor and its potential to distract players during matches.
It has been less than a week since the US Open faced criticism over influencers and social media creators being loud in the stands, filming videos during matches, and using large ring lights. Top players, including Jessica Pegula and Naomi Osaka, have spoken out about the issue after their behavior disrupted matches and an umpire had to ask them to quiet down.
MORE: Ben Shelton Makes Bold Statement Ahead of Facing Carlos Alcaraz at US Open
In response to concerns over influencers using lights during matches, the US Open has added new signs around the tournament grounds asking fans to follow its photography rules: “Please refrain from the use of flash photography or other lighting.”
However, concerns over fan behavior continue as the tournament heads into the quarterfinals.
