Coco Gauff moved into the third round of the US Open after beating former World No. 2 Paula Badosa in straight sets. After the match, the 2023 champion also spoke about the recent controversy involving social media influencers at tennis events.
It has become a heated debate about tennis etiquette and influencer culture after a chair umpire had to pause the first-round match between Naomi Osaka and Anastasia Zakharova on Monday due to an overzealous group of influencers in a suite at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Coco Gauff Appreciates Influencers at US Open While Urging Them to Respect Tennis Etiquette
Tennis has always had a rule requiring players to stay quiet during points, unlike many other major sports, as a form of respect. But with the USTA granting digital creators greater access to luxury suites, the growing presence of influencers has created some tension among fans and players.
A viral video showed several influencers in a luxury suite loudly recording a voiceover video during Osaka’s match, where a fan sitting a few rows below appeared to be annoyed by the scene. Other clips showed a few posing for photos and using a bright ring light during match play.
Gauff, one of the main stars of this year’s tournament, believes their presence can help tennis reach a wider audience. However, she says influencers should respect the sport’s rules and traditions.
The World No. 4 explained, “I definitely think it’s cool to have a new demographic, and I definitely think it helps grow the sport. But 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.’ That’s all.”
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
Gauff pointed to flash photography, loud talking, and filming videos during points as violations of tennis etiquette. Following the rules is important for helping players stay focused and ensuring other fans can enjoy the match.
The 22-year-old’s comments came after Jessica Pegula and Osaka also shared their views on the issue.
The four-time Grand Slam champion said, “I think it bothered my opponent, too. I’ve heard some people say the lights or whatever. I don’t really see the lights because obviously when you’re serving, you’re looking at the sun or you’re looking at the night lights. So, it was more the noise.”
Osaka added that the noise and bright lights can be distracting and added that new fans are welcome, but learning basic tennis etiquette is a matter of “common courtesy.”
Pegula also weighed in. The 2024 runner-up criticized creators for using selfie lights while players are competing. “People are down there trying to perform, and it’s their career and their job,” she said in her presser. “It seems like a bit disrespectful. I think it’s gotten a little maybe too much.”
As a response, the tournament issued a public notice reminding fans of the photography rules.
“Please refrain from the use of flash photography or other lighting during match play. Thank you and enjoy the tennis!” the sign outside Louis Armstrong Stadium read.
Meanwhile, Aryna Sabalenka and Daniil Medvedev welcomed the USTA’s new initiative, as more attention could help the sport’s popularity.
Gauff, the 4th seed, will now take on Cristina Bucșa in the third round.
