Naomi Osaka shares her thoughts on fan etiquette at the US Open.
Naomi Osaka, the renowned women’s tennis star, has addressed the rising presence of social media influencers at the US Open Grand Slam. She highlighted the importance of understanding tennis etiquette and respecting the players during matches. Osaka noted that tennis has always required fans to play a role beyond cheering, emphasizing the necessity of silence during points. While she did not criticize influencers directly, she stressed that new fans must learn about the sport’s traditions and proper behavior to maintain the essence of tennis.
During her first-round match, a few influencers caused notable disruptions, leading to chair umpires issuing warnings. Osaka acknowledged the growing popularity of tennis and the significance of reaching a younger audience but cautioned that this growth should not compromise the sport's core values. She believes that the involvement of influencers can be beneficial if managed properly and if they respect the fundamental rules of audience conduct.