US Open 2026: Naomi Osaka and Jessica Pegula on influencers causing disruption in New York – BBC
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The 2026 US Open in New York has once again become a focal point for discussions about the role of social media influencers on the sport’s traditional venues. According to a BBC report, two of the tournament’s top American players, Naomi Osaka and Jessica Pegula, publicly addressed the growing issue of influencers causing disruptions during matches.
Osaka, a former world No. 1 and 2024 US Open champion, and Pegula, a former world No. 1 and current top‑tenured American contender, shared their concerns on a joint press briefing held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. They highlighted how the presence of large crowds of influencers—many of whom are hired to promote brands and generate online content—has occasionally interfered with players’ concentration and the overall atmosphere of the matches.
The duo’s comments came after a series of incidents earlier in the tournament, when a group of influencers reportedly entered the court area during a key set, prompting a brief pause and a warning from tournament officials. While the BBC did not provide specific details of the incident, Osaka and Pegula emphasized the need for clear guidelines to preserve the integrity of the competition.
The US Open, one of tennis’s four Grand Slam events, has long been a showcase for the sport’s most elite talent. In recent years, the tournament’s organizers have struggled to balance the growing commercial interest in social media presence with the traditional expectations of a professional sporting event. Osaka and Pegula’s remarks underscore the growing tension between the sport’s commercial drivers and the players’ need for a focused, distraction‑free environment.
As the tournament progresses, organizers are expected to review and potentially tighten security measures around the courts to ensure that future disruptions are minimized. The players’ public stance signals a broader conversation within the tennis community about the influence of digital media on the sport’s core experience.
