The drama around influencers disrupting US Open matches just got real, with Coco Gauff directly addressing the issue after an interruption during Naomi Osaka’s first-round clash. Gauff isn’t against new fans, telling reporters via People’s Skyler Caruso on Thursday that she thinks it’s “great to have a different demographic to the sport.” She even has “no problem with influencers” and follows some online, noting that the ones she watches “do follow the etiquette and know tennis pretty well.”
The Real Distraction: What’s “Messing Up” Players
But Gauff got super specific about what’s actually bothering players on court. She called out flash photography, saying, “I definitely think no flash photography because that does bother [me].” Gauff even admitted she’s “one of the lenient players,” but flashes are a no-go. She also wants folks to “try not to talk too loud,” though she acknowledges Ashe is a loud court. However, “not like mouthing TikToks and stuff in the middle of a point” is a hard line. This isn’t just about the pros either; Gauff pointed out it affects “the viewing experience for those around.” If forced to choose, she’d take noise over flash, because “that actually does mess us up a little bit.”
The Stakes: Staying Focused Amidst the Chaos
This isn’t just Gauff talking. During Osaka’s match with Anastasia Zakharova, umpire Kader Nouni actually paused play to ask guests to limit their distractions. Osaka still pulled off the win against Zakharova before defeating Kateřina Siniaková in the second round. Gauff herself is absolutely locked in, punching her ticket to the third round of the US Open after taking down Zeynep Sönmez and Paula Badosa in straight sets. Her next match is on Saturday against Cristina Bucșa. You know she’s focused on making that run, no matter what’s happening off the court.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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