COCO GAUFF wants social media influencers to show respect and follow tennis etiquette at the US Open, saying: You wouldn’t wear jeans on the celebrity red carpet.
The role of Instagram, Facebook and TikTok influencers at the New York Slam has been a big talking point this past week.
5
5
Naomi Osaka’s first round match at the Arthur Ashe Stadium was disrupted by a group who were in a hospitality box, making noise for an online video in front of a glaring ring light.
The umpire had to warn the individuals to keep quiet as it was proving a distraction to the players on court.
Osaka later told the noisy and disruptive pack to “respect the sport” – and reckons they should be “managed a lot better” during matches.
Former US Open champion Gauff, 22, is from the generation who had phones at school and grew up with social media.
READ MORE ON TENNIS
set and match
Carlos Alcaraz’s rumoured girlfriend sizzles in bikini for beach photoshoot
Welcome player
Join Sun Vegas now and claim a 100% deposit match bonus and 100 free spins
Yet one of the most successful and wealthiest women in American sports wants those who come to the tennis to show some form of decorum and follow the rules.
They might have a huge audience and therefore have the chance to grow the game but it is imperative, Gauff says, that they do not prove to be a nuisance.
Speaking after her 6-4 7-6 second round win over Spaniard Paula Badosa, Gauff said: “It’s great to have a different demographic to the sport.
“And I think I have no problem with influencers. I have met some of them and follow some of them online.
Most read in Sport
TAKING THE MICK
Dean breaks silence on bombshell games confession as clubs probe ex-ref
TAKING THE MICK
Prem clubs open probes into Mike Dean after ‘mini-games’ confession
PHYSIO ROOM
Injuries & suspensions update Gameweek 3: Latest on Bruno Guimaraes, Joe Rodon
KEEP HIM KEANE
Roy Keane reveals strict ‘boundaries’ with son-in-law after joining Villa
SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS
5
“Luckily the ones I do follow online do follow the etiquette and know tennis pretty well.
“It’s like any venue you come to, you have to follow the etiquette towards it.
“I think it may be on some of the brands, too, maybe to have a sign plastered or something in the suites so that they know.
“Because sometimes it’s their first tennis match. They don’t know. They have probably been to basketball games before.
“But I definitely think no flash photography, because that does bother (players) – and I am one of the more lenient players.
“There are very few times you hear me complain about noise. The flash, definitely no flash in the points, and try not to talk too loud.
“I mean, Ashe is a very loud court so I’m used to it, but definitely not mouthing the TikToks and stuff in the middle of the point.
“I think it’s not just for us, the players, but the viewing experience for those around.
5
5
“But I definitely think if I have to pick noise over flash, I think no flash because that actually does mess us up a little bit.
“I definitely think it’s cool to have a new demographic and I definitely think it helps grow the sport.
RECOMMENDED STORIES
“But like with anything, any venue you go to, if you’re being invited to a red carpet, you wouldn’t show up in jeans.
“I think it’s just (a case of) follow the etiquette of the sport. That’s all.”