Andy Roddick criticizes influencer ring lights at US Open

Former ATP world No. 1 Andy Roddick has criticized the presence of influencers at the US Open, specifically targeting the use of bright ring lights in the stands. Roddick argued that these lights act like “full-on photoshoots” that distract players and disrupt the flow of matches.

The controversy gained momentum following viral social media footage from Naomi Osaka’s first-round match, which showed spectators using bright lighting to film themselves during play. In one instance, an umpire had to intervene with a group in a suite who were recording themselves while a match was underway.

While Roddick acknowledged that the interest in influencer content is driven by audience engagement, he insisted that the behavior must respect the boundaries of professional tennis. Players Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff offered more measured perspectives, noting that while content creators can help attract new audiences, spectators must respect the rules and etiquette of the sport to avoid compromising the experience for players and other fans.