Wimbledon shuts the door on influencers after US Open controversy

Wimbledon has decided that influencers can buy tickets, attend the tournament and sit among the crowd, but they will not receive special accreditation at the next edition of the British Grand Slam.

The decision follows the controversy that erupted during the first week of the US Open, where accredited content creators drew complaints from players and traditional tennis fans over the disruptions they caused during matches. Wimbledon, known for enforcing its protocol strictly, took note of the criticism heard in Flushing Meadows and rejected special credentials for creators.

Accredited personnel at the British major are generally prohibited from recording video in most areas of the club, particularly during matches. Those rights remain reserved for official broadcasters, the tournament’s press staff, the ATP, the WTA and a limited number of other exceptions. Security staff will also confiscate objects such as ring lights if they are used in ways that disturb play.

The controversy in New York intensified during Naomi Osaka’s opening match against Anastasia Zakharova. While the former world No. 1 and the Russian player waited to resume their match at Arthur Ashe Stadium, umpire Kader Nouni delayed the restart to address a group of influencers recording a TikTok video.

“Please take your seats. Please, guys. In the box behind me, please take your seats. Thank you,” the French umpire said over the loudspeakers. The intervention prompted murmurs and whistles from the stands, while one spectator below the box covered his face in embarrassment. Tennis rules require spectators to remain seated and silent while the ball is in play, enter or leave only during breaks, and avoid flashes or phone lights when taking photographs or recording video.

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Please take your seats. Please, guys. In the box behind me, please take your seats. Thank you.