Wimbledon could take a tougher stance on influencers and content creators after a series of disruptions at the US Open. The incidents have raised concerns among players about the changing atmosphere at major tennis tournaments.
The All England Club is not expected to introduce a separate accreditation category for influencers or content creators, according to the Press Association. Wimbledon is also likely to take a strict approach to items such as ring lights and other equipment that could interfere with matches.
WHY IS WIMBLEDON BANNING INFLUENCERS?
The potential crackdown comes after several incidents at this year’s US Open, where players have complained about spectators using bright lights, talking loudly and filming content during points.
The New York Grand Slam has made a conscious effort to bring new audiences to tennis, including by officially accrediting around 100 content creators alongside traditional journalists and broadcasters. But the experiment has also highlighted the difficulty of balancing social media-driven engagement with the etiquette expected at a major tennis tournament.
US OPEN: COCO GAUFF HITS OUT
Coco Gauff, one of the biggest stars of the women’s game, has argued that certain behaviours from influencers needs to change.
“I think it’s great to have a different demographic to the sport,” Gauff said after her second-round win over Paula Badosa on September 3. “I have no problem with influencers. I’ve met some of them and follow some of them online.”
Gauff, however, stressed that everyone attending a tennis match needs to understand the environment they are entering.
“Any venue you come to, you have to follow that etiquette towards it,” she said, suggesting that brands hosting guests at tournaments could do more to make first-time spectators aware of the rules.
For Gauff, the biggest problem is not necessarily the arrival of influencers themselves, but the behaviour of those who are unfamiliar with tennis etiquette.
“I definitely think no flash photography because that does bother [me]. I am one of the lenient players,” she said. “Try not to talk too loud. I mean, Ashe is a very loud court, so I’m used to it, but definitely not like mouthing TikToks and stuff in the middle of a point.”
Gauff also explained why flashes are particularly problematic for players.
“It’s not just for the rest of the players but for the viewing experience for those around,” she said. “If I had to pick noise over flash, I definitely think no flash because that actually does mess us up a little bit.”
The complaints at the US Open have extended beyond influencer activity. Players have also raised concerns about the overall atmosphere at Flushing Meadows, where music, movement in the stands and noise from spectators can make matches particularly raucous.
‘US OPEN TURNING INTO A ZOO’
French veteran Adrian Mannarino was the latest player to express his frustration, pointing to spectators moving around during points as well as noise and the smell of marijuana around the outside courts.
“People are allowed to move around in the crowd during points,” Mannarino said. “The tournament puts up with it, and I don’t know if it’s the best thing for tennis in general.”
“There’s a smell of marijuana on the court, noise everywhere. The truth is it’s turning into a bit of a zoo.”
Wimbledon has traditionally had a very different atmosphere from the US Open, with stricter expectations around spectator behaviour and the presentation of matches.
The All England Club reviews its policies every year, including its approach to social media. Its conditions of entry already prohibit objects that could disrupt play, meaning content-creation equipment could face restrictions even without a specific influencer policy.
– Ends
