{
  "id": 5530044,
  "title": "‘Disrespectful’ – influencers spark US Open debate",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/disrespectful-influencers-spark-us-open-debate",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-04T09:18:47.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/disrespectful-influencers-spark-us-open-091847093.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The US Open tennis tournament has sparked controversy over the impact of social media influencers on the event. Nearly half of 10- to 17-year-olds discover products through social media advertising, and 40 percent are influenced by online influencers, according to a report by German health insurer DAK-Gesundheit and the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf. With around 100 influencers and content creators accredited for this year’s tournament, organizers aim to reach new audiences, doubling the number from the previous year.\n\nDuring Naomi Osaka’s first-round match against Anastasia Zakharova, some crowd members were reprimanded for filming themselves and using a portable ring light while she was serving. The chair umpire had repeatedly called for quiet during the match. Osaka emphasized the importance of respecting the sport and common courtesy, stating that fans should read up on tennis etiquette.\n\nUS Open policy introduced in 2024 allows free fan movement, meaning spectators can no longer wait to take their seats during changeovers. Jessica Pegula, an American 11th seed, acknowledged that some behavior had been \"disrespectful\" due to influencers taking pictures and using selfie lights. Arthur Ashe Stadium, the main venue hosting the US Open, is the largest tennis stadium in the world, often accompanied by a lively atmosphere.\n\nCoco Gauff, ranked world number four, welcomed the influx of new fans but stressed the need for respect for tennis traditions. She believes that having a diverse demographic helps grow the sport but advocates following the etiquette of the game. The United States Tennis Association aims to provide fans with an incredible experience while ensuring they adhere to permitted and prohibited activities during matches.",
  "summary": "Naomi Osaka called for spectators at the US Open to respect tennis etiquette after social media influencers sparked debate by disrupting her first-round match. Around 100 influencers and content creators have been accredited for this year’s tournament in New York, twice as many as last year, as organizers seek to reach new audiences.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "BBC Sport",
        "title": "100 influencers invited to US Open spark debate on 'tennis etiquette'",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/100-influencers-invited-to-us-open-spark-debate-on-tennis-etiquette",
        "published": "2026-09-04T07:16:07.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "100 influencers invited to US Open spark debate on 'tennis etiquette'",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/100-influencers-invited-to-us-open-spark-debate-on-tennis-etiquette-5516278",
        "published": "2026-09-04T07:25:21.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "KahawaTungu",
        "title": "100 influencers invited to US Open spark debate on ‘tennis etiquette’",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/04/100-influencers-invited-to-us-open-spark-debate-on-tennis-etiquette-5528737",
        "published": "2026-09-04T09:11:36.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}