US Open Doubles Influencer Access Amidst Backlash and Operational Chaos
The USTA nearly doubled its credentialed influencer count to 100 for the 2026 US Open, aiming to grow the sport among younger audiences. However, this expansion has intensified backlash from traditional fans over match disruptions, including ring-light incidents during Naomi Osaka’s play. While official creators like Justin Morelli and Alyssa La Spisa emphasize adaptive, on-the-ground content strategies, the USTA maintains that reported disruptions are not linked to official credential holders and has implemented stricter etiquette protocols.
Key points
- The USTA credentialed approximately 100 influencers for the 2026 US Open, up from 54 in 2025, as part of a strategy to attract younger demographics.
- Credentialed creators such as Justin Morelli and Alyssa La Spisa operate on flexible, improvisational schedules, often pivoting content plans due to weather or crowd dynamics.
- The USTA clarified that recent match disruptions, including ring-light incidents, were not committed by official credential holders but by unauthorized individuals or new fans.
- Traditional tennis fans have criticized influencer presence for distracting from the sport, leading to calls for stricter etiquette and potential bans on artificial lighting during live points.
- Influencers value the exclusive access provided by the USTA, noting that it allows them to produce content they could not otherwise achieve, despite the controversy.
Background
Previous coverage highlighted a ring-light incident during Naomi Osaka’s first-round match, which prompted umpire Kader Nouni to pause play. Additionally, two influencers were ejected for posting credentials online, and a controversial Good Good–Callaway ad sparked backlash. These events underscore the tension between the USTA’s push for creator access and the need to maintain match integrity.
How outlets are covering it
The New York Post focuses on the day-to-day realities of credentialed influencers, highlighting their adaptability and the value of USTA access. BBC’s 'More than the Score' explores the broader relationship between tennis and the creator economy, noting that the US Open’s 'party' atmosphere differs from other Grand Slams. While the Post emphasizes the operational challenges faced by creators, BBC frames the issue as a debate over whether influencers and tennis are a compatible match, with players like Jessica Pegula and Naomi Osaka complaining about crowd behavior.
Why it matters
The US Open’s decision to double influencer access reflects a strategic shift toward engaging younger audiences, but it has also exposed tensions between traditional fans and the modern sports media landscape. The backlash over match disruptions highlights the need for clearer guidelines and stronger oversight to balance promotional goals with the integrity of the sport.
What to watch
The USTA is expected to continue refining its influencer credentialing process and etiquette protocols. Creators may face stricter rules regarding lighting and behavior during live points, while the USTA will likely monitor the impact of influencer content on audience engagement and match integrity.
- Inside US Open content creators’ long days of filming as backlash against influencers intensifies New York Post
- Separating fact from fiction: The US Open influencer controversy ESPN
- Influencers are everywhere at the U.S. Open. Even tennis stars say it's gone too far. Yahoo
- Influencers Didn’t Ruin the U.S. Open. They Just Made It More Boring. The New York Times
- More than the Score | Are tennis and influencers a good match? BBC
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