Coco Gauff & Jessica Pegula Call Out US Open Influencers For Their 'Disrespectful' Behaviour

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Coco Gauff & Jessica Pegula Call Out US Open Influencers For Their 'Disrespectful' Behaviour

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Faizan Mirza | Last updated Sep 4, 2026 8:11 AM ET

With the influx of influencers at the US Open, it’s been one of the biggest stories of the tournament, and now Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula have weighed in on the role of social media in pro tennis.

Gauff thinks influencers can help attract new fans to the sport, but also noted that there are limits when games are in session.

“I think it’s great to have a different demographic to the sport,” Gauff said when asked about the role of influencers.

The American star said she has “no problem with influencers” as she has met some and follows others online. But she thinks that newbies should be aware of the etiquette expected at tennis matches.

Coco Gauff Draws The Line At Flash Photography

The most important thing for Gauff is not necessarily the noise of the crowd, but flash photography at points.

“I definitely think no flash photography because that does bother,” Gauff said. “And I am one of the more lenient players. There’s very few times you hear me complain about noise. But the flash, definitely no flash in the points.”

Gauff also asked influencers to not be too loud or make social media posts during games.

TORONTO, CANADA – AUGUST 12: Coco Gauff of the United States reacts after losing a point against Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan in semi-finals round match of WTA 1000.Mert Alper Dervis/Anadolu via Getty Images

“Definitely not, like, mouthing, like, TikToks and stuff in the middle of a point,” she added.

The 22-year-old feels that the organizers and brands of the tournaments can also play a role in educating the first-time tennis watchers about the rules.

She compared it to going to other events, where people should know what to expect at the venue. “If you’re being asked to go to a red carpet, you wouldn’t show up in jeans,” Gauff said. “I think it’s just follow the etiquette of the sport.”

Jessica Pegula Says influencers Trend May Have Gone Too Far

Pegula was more critical when talking about the recent incidents at the US Open.

The world No. 3 admitted that influencers can be a part of the tennis promotion, but she feels some behavior has gone too far.

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“People are down there trying to perform, and it’s their career and their job,” Pegula said. “And it seems a bit disrespectful.”

Her remarks followed a series of viral moments during games, such as a disruption in Naomi Osaka’s first-round bout. Since then, the USTA has issued a reminder to spectators about proper match conduct.