Andy Murray has said tennis influencers who disrupt matches should be kicked out of tournaments. The Scot shared his stance after this year's US Open saw several incidents where top players were distracted by content creators courtside.
Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff each complained about interruptions caused by noise, flash photography and ring lights during their matches. Both acknowledged the benefit of influencers in promoting competitions and the sport but insisted usual tennis etiquette must be preserved during tense moments on court.
Wimbledon's Decision
Following the controversy in New York, Wimbledon announced it will not grant media accreditation to influencers and content creators at next year's Grand Slam. Murray added to the discussion by suggesting that, while their presence may be more normalised at tournaments, they cannot be exempt from the same rules that apply to other attendees.
“I think obviously, like, that's part of society now. You're going to have influencers at many different events and stuff,” he said on The Sports Agents. “That doesn't mean that they should be exempt from respecting, like, the etiquette and the rules of the sport. Like, making lots of noise during a point is not something that happens in tennis. So, just like another fan, if you come in to watch, if you're making loads of noise, well, then you're going to get kicked out.”
US Open Numbers Rise
The US Open saw the number of credentialled influencers and content creators balloon to almost 100, nearly double the 54 invited to the 2025 competition. Flushing Meadows tends to be one of the more raucous Grand Slam venues, while Wimbledon is heavily organised around traditional tennis values and is the most regimented of the four majors.
The All England Club's decision not to introduce an 'influencer accreditation' is no different to previous editions. Content creators are not banned, but Wimbledon will not follow the US Open's lead in pushing for those personalities to help grow its brand.
Murray's Social Media Views
Murray, 39, revealed to The Telegraph earlier this year that he had removed social media apps from his phone to avoid wasting time, preferring a 'brick' device to be “a little bit more productive.” He has also championed a proposed social media ban for those in the UK under 16, an initiative supported by ex-Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
A two-time champion at SW19, Murray knows how sacred the hushed atmosphere of Wimbledon can be. The All England Club has taken the matter into its own hands by refusing to permit any influencers in an official capacity next year, in what could be the start of a more permanent tradition.
