India, Sept. 3 -- The 2026 US Open is facing backlash over a growing influencer presence in the stands, with bright ring lights, flashes and noisy content shoots disrupting matches. The United States Tennis Association (USTA) reportedly increased influencer media credentials to nearly 100 this year, up from 54 in 2025, as it looks to make the tournament more social-media friendly.

The strategy came under fire when Naomi Osaka's match against Anastasia Zakharova on Monday at New York's Arthur Ashe Stadium was briefly interrupted by a noisy group of influencers filming something like a TikTok dance. Chair umpire Kader Nouni had to ask the suite to quiet down and take their seats. "Guys, please, in the suite behind me, thank you guys, pleas...