Wimbledon makes strict rule change involving influencers after Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff complain
Wimbledon is reportedly taking a very different approach to its guest list after the drama that unfolded at this year's US Open.
The decision comes after a string of incidents at the US Open raised questions about whether certain guests are being given too much freedom around the court, with both Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff raising complaints.
We are, of course, referring to social media influencers.
And with some of tennis' biggest stars now speaking out, it seems Wimbledon has decided it would rather avoid the drama altogether.
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For reference, the US Open has increasingly embraced social media stars and content creators in recent years as part of its push to bring younger audiences into tennis.
Around 100 influencers were accredited for this year's tournament, with the idea being that their content could help introduce the sport to people who might not traditionally follow it.
Sadly, however, things haven't exactly gone to plan, and several incidents involving influencers have disrupted matches - including one involving Naomi Osaka's opening-round match against Anastasia Zakharova.
Play was interrupted after spectators in a hospitality suite were reportedly making noise while filming content, with a bright ring light also becoming part of the controversy.
Osaka subsequently made it clear that while she wasn't against influencers being involved in tennis, she wanted them to understand the environment they were entering.
The four-time Grand Slam champion called for people attending matches to show more respect for the sport and its traditions.
"I think, obviously, if you come to a sporting event, you have to respect the sport," she said. "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 the situation like in my first-round match."
Osaka wasn't the only tennis star who has had something to say on the matter - with social media-friendly star Coco Gauff weighing in on the debate.
The 22-year-old said influencers should understand that attending a major sporting event comes with certain expectations around behaviour.
Gauff compared tennis etiquette to the rules people follow when attending a celebrity red carpet, explaining that you wouldn't simply turn up and behave however you wanted.
"You wouldn't wear jeans on the celebrity red carpet," she said. "I feel like there's just certain etiquette for certain events."
Like Osaka, Gauff also acknowledged that influencers can play an important role in bringing new audiences to tennis, and like her fellow sportsman, she agreed that this shouldn't come at the expense of the players actually competing.
She pointed to things such as flash photography, loud conversations and filming TikToks during points as examples of behaviour that can become distracting.
Now, the controversy has seemingly caught the attention of Wimbledon organisers.
According to the Press Association, the All England Club has no plans to introduce an 'influencer' category of accreditation for next year's Championships.
Instead, Wimbledon appears keen to protect the traditional atmosphere that has long been part of the tournament.
The British competition already has strict expectations around spectator behaviour, and officials are expected to take a tougher line on anything that could interfere with play.
Rhianna Benson