Coco Gauff is calling for stricter etiquette among content creators and spectators at major tennis events. The American star highlighted disruptive behavior at the US Open and Australian Open, urging a return to respect for the game's traditions and player privacy.
The 100-credential surge for 2026 creators
The tension between professional athletics and social media fame has reached a boiling point as tournament organizers significantly expanded access for digital personalities. According to the report, nearly one hundred credentials were issued to content creators for the 2026 season, a figure that represents roughly double the amount provided the previous year.
Coco Gauff noted that while she does not harbor a grudge against influencers as a whole, the sheer volume of new attendees has led to a breakdown in traditional court etiquette. Gauff observed that creators who are well-versed in the sport generally follow the unwritten rules, but the rapid influx of new "VIPs" has created a clash of cultures within the stadium.
Ring lights and ejected influencers at the US Open
The increase in influencer presence has already led to tangible disruptions during the early stages of the US Open. As the report says, two influencers were ejected from the event after they posted photos of their tournament credentials on social media,while another instance involved a portable ring light interfering with active play.
Beyond these high-profile removals, Coco Gauff expressed frustration over a surge in crowd noise and the use of flash photography. She specifically criticized guests who mouth words for TikTok videos during active points,arguing that such behavior ruins the experience for paying fans who are there to watch high-quality tennis rather than a social media production.
The racket smash and Gauff's fight for privacy against Svitolina
The debate over etiquette extends beyond the stands and into the broadcast booth. Following a quarterfinal loss to Elina Svitolina at the 2026 Australian Open, the 21-year-old Coco Gauff questioned the ethics of how television cameras capture and circulate raw emotional moments, such as her smashing her racket in frustration.
Coco Gauff argued that certain private reactions should not be exploited for entertainment value. This perspective suggests a growing divide between the players' need for emotional sanctuary and the media's drive for viral, high-emotion clips that perform well on digital platforms.
Naomi Osaka and the battle for silence in the stands
Coco Gauff is not alone in her frustrations, as Naomi Osaka has reported similar struggles with crowd control . Osaka recalled a specific opening match where the chair umpire had to repeatedly demand silence from the spectators, a level of disruption she noted was rare in her previous experiences.
This trend reflects a broader shift in sports consumption where the "event" is often treated as a backdrop for personal branding. Coco Gauff compared this to a red carpet premiere, noting that just as one would not wear casual denim to a formal premiere, spectators should adapt their behavior to the specific environment of a professional tennis match.
Who is educating the corporate suite guests?
A significant point of contention remains the behavior of guests in luxury suites and corporate hospitality areas. coco Gauff suggested that some of these attendees are unfamiliar with tennis etiquette because sponsors may prioritize branding visibility over educating their guests on how to behave during a match.
While tournament organizers have stated that competition integrity is the top priority and have empowered chair umpires to intervene, it remains unclear how they plan to manage the expectations of high-paying corporate sponsors. The report does not specify whether organizers intend to implement formal etiquette briefings for suite guests or if the burden of enforcement will remain solely on the umpires during active play.
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