Wimbledon to crack down on influencers after US Open controversy
Several players spoke out against the influencers’ behaviour during the US Open
The All England Club is set to take a firm stance on social media influencers and content creators during Wimbledon, following serious disruptions caused by their behaviour during the ongoing US Open.
According to multiple media reports, the Wimbledon organisers will not provide media accreditation to social media influencers during the next edition, which will take place in June-July 2027.
The organisers will also reportedly confiscate all items from spectators that can disrupt matches, including ring lights.
This decision follows a series of controversial incidents at Flushing Meadows, where matches have been interrupted by spectators taking flash photographs, making noises, moving around during points, and other problems.
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Wimbledon, in a bid to maintain its prestigious standing, has acted quickly to prevent similar disruption at the upcoming Championships.
Influencers disrupt US Open
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The US Open organisers reportedly gave accreditation to 100 social media influencers, along with media personnel and traditional journalists. However, the behaviour of some of the influencers, many of whom are new to tennis, has caused multiple disruptions during matches.
Naomi Osaka’s first-round match against Anastasia Zakharova was halted after fans in the stands used bright lights to record video during play. The chair umpire was forced to ask people in a suite to sit down to prevent any further disruptions.
“I think obviously if you come to a sporting event, you have to respect the sport,” Osaka said after the game. “And, I feel like it’s common courtesy to read up on the sport, especially the etiquette.”
“I feel like it could be a good thing for people to make the sport of tennis popular to their specific audience, but I think it has to be managed a lot better, especially in (a) situation like (my) first-round match.”
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During her third-round clash against Kamilla Rakhimova, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka complained to the chair umpire that the smell of marijuana from the stands was making it difficult for her to play the game.
France’s Adrian Mannarino, who lost to Alexander Bublik in the second round, was also extremely critical of fan behaviour during the US Open.
“People are allowed to move around in the crowd during points,” he 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.”
Will Wimbledon ban social media influencers?
Yes, the All England Club has decided not to provide media accreditation to social media influencers during Wimbledon 2027.
Why is Wimbledon banning influencers?
The ban comes after disruptions at the US Open, where influencers caused interruptions with flash photography, ring lights, excessive movement during points, and other behaviour that disturbed matches.
When is Wimbledon 2027 scheduled to take place?
Wimbledon 2027 is scheduled to run from June 28 to July 11.
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