Andy Roddick has had enough of the ring lights. The former US Open champion delivered a blunt assessment of the influencer presence at this year's tournament, taking aim at the growing number of spectators creating social media content around matches and questioning where the line should be drawn between promoting tennis and disrupting it.
The debate intensified after Naomi Osaka's first-round match, when videos of spectators using bright lights and filming themselves during play went viral on social media. Another clip showed a group of fans in a suite recording themselves while the match was underway, with the chair umpire eventually asking them to take their seats.
The scenes sparked a wider conversation about the changing atmosphere at Flushing Meadows, particularly as the US Open has increasingly embraced content creators as part of its strategy to reach new audiences. But for Roddick, the issue is less about who is attending the tournament and more about what they are doing once they get there.
“Stop the f***ing ring lights”
Roddick addressed the controversy while discussing the increasingly visible presence of influencers around the tournament, acknowledging that their popularity exists for a reason.
“Influencers in the wild is the craziest thing," he said on social media. "They're all over the place. I've seen it. I'm watching it and it's like a full-on photoshoot, you know? It's awkward.”
The former world No. 1 then made clear that he understands why the phenomenon has become so widespread, pointing to the audience that willingly watches and engages with that content.
“Now, there’s a reason that it exists. It’s not because people aren’t watching it or clicking on it or choosing to engage in it.”
But there was one part of the trend that Roddick had little patience for. “Now, stop the f***ing ring lights," he said. "Just stop the ring lights. Stop the f***ing ring lights.”
For Roddick, the problem is particularly obvious when compared with the restrictions placed on everyone else inside a stadium. He recalled an experience from the ESPN Terrace during the tournament, where his team had to move their entire show outdoors because of a lightning warning.
This was one of the cringiest things I’ve ever seen live. The US Open used to be an actual tennis tournament https://t.co/1kAYND6VOe pic.twitter.com/c1jbi4lUlQ
— Danny Singer (@michiganboy310) September 2, 2026
With the usual setup unavailable, Malika Andrews had to run the broadcast from a piece of paper while working beneath a sound system. “I looked at her afterwards, I said, ‘You’re a f***ing professional.’”
Roddick said the conditions made it difficult to hear anything, but there was another restriction that illustrated his point: ESPN cannot simply turn on its own lights whenever it wants during matches because they could distract the players.
“I mean, we couldn’t hear a thing. But we also can’t turn on the lights to our set at certain times during the match because it’s distracting,” the former world No. 1 added. “So don’t use your ring light. If ESPN can’t use a fucking ring light on the Terrace desk, you can’t use a ring light either.”
Osaka and Gauff back growth, but demand better etiquette
While Roddick’s criticism was aimed at the more disruptive side of influencer culture, Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff offered a more balanced view of the issue. Both players acknowledged that bringing new audiences into tennis can only help the sport, but they also stressed that growth cannot come at the expense of the players or other spectators.
“I think obviously if you come to a sporting event, you have to respect the sport. And I feel like it’s common courtesy to read up on the sport, especially the etiquette,” Osaka said. “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 a situation like my first-round match.”
Osaka ultimately sees plenty of value in the new audience, provided there are clearer boundaries around how content is created inside the stadium. “Overall, I think there’s huge positives. … You want people to continue to grow the sport. I just think it has to be in a way that everyone knows the rules and the etiquette.”
Gauff shared that view, arguing that influencers can bring a different demographic to tennis while still being expected to understand the environment they are entering.
“I think it’s great to have a different demographic to the sport. I have no problem with influencers,” Gauff said. “But like with anything, any venue you go to, like if you’re being invited to a red carpet, you wouldn’t show up in jeans.”
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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