Naomi Osaka, Jessica Pegula React to Influencer Controversy at US Open

Sep 05, 2026 - 01:06

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Naomi Osaka, Jessica Pegula React to Influencer Controversy at US Open

Tennis Stars Naomi Osaka, Jessica Pegula Weigh In After Influencers Spark Controversy at US Open

Naomi Osaka isn't afraid to serve up her opinions.

After the legendary tennis player won her second-round match against Katerina Siniakova at the 2026 US Open, she shared her thoughts on critics slamming influencers for being disruptive while filming content during matches.

"Today, the umpire," Osaka said during her Sept. 3 post-game press conference, "she told everyone to be quiet more than I've ever heard an umpire tell a crowd to be quiet."

And it wasn't the only game the athlete—who won her first match against Anastasia Zakharova on Aug. 31—had seen, or rather heard, commotion from content creators in the stands.

"In my first match, I wasn't really paying attention," she explained. "I normally just focus on the match and the court, but there was a moment where there were people shouting and stuff, and you could hear it quite clearly."

While the 28-year-old wasn't happy about the distraction during the game—which is traditionally played in a relatively quiet arena—neither was Zakharova. Osaka added, "I think it bothered my opponent, too."

During the match in question, a group of influencers was spotted in a now-viral clip making a video while loudly saying Kim Kardashian's quote, "Hey, guys. We're back. Did you miss us 'cause we missed you."

While it's all love from Osaka—who hopes to continue bringing new fans to the sport—she also had a message to those attending the US Open.

"If you come to a sporting event, you have to respect the sport," she told reporters. "It's common courtesy to read up on the sport, especially the etiquette. It could be a good thing for people to make the sport of tennis popular to their specific audience."

Robert Prange/Getty Images

She believes there are "huge positives" to having content creators at the event but emphasized, "it has to be managed a lot better, especially in the situation like my first-round match."

Meanwhile, Jessica Pegula also weighed in on the influencer controversy after winning her match against Sofia Kenin.

"I can appreciate the influencers coming and showcasing the U.S. Open experience," she told reporters during her post-game press conference Sept. 2. "That's something that the US Open has utilized a lot as far as food and drinks and things to do and the shops. That is part of a fan experience and something that people might not know and make them want to go."

Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images

However, the tennis star noted that some instances have simply gone too far, describing the behavior as "too much this year."

"It's tough when you see videos when they're taking pictures and using the selfie lights," Pegula, 32, explained. "People are down there trying to perform. It's their career and their job. It seems like a bit disrespectful."

"I can appreciate one side of it," she continued, "but I think when you have the other side literally interrupting matches, it gets a little tough."

As tennis players compete for the U.S. Open Championship Trophy, keep reading for a closer look at all the star-studded attendees.

Courtesy of USTA

Ashlyn Harris & Sophia Bush

The stylish couple posed for pics on the Blue Carpet at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

Courtesy of USTA

Bowen Yang

Live from New York, the SNL alum arrived for some Day Five tennis at the US Open.

Courtesy of USTA

Trinity Rodman

The NWSL star sported an "I heart my boyfriend" shirt while supporting Ben Shelton during his second round victory.

Courtesy of USTA

Martha Stewart

The original lifestyle influencer flashed a big smile before stepping into Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Courtesy of USTA

Karen Pittman

The Morning Show actress was beaming as she arrived for Day Five of the tennis tournament.

Courtesy of Moët & Chandon

Josh Lucas

The Sweet Home Alabama actor was seen enjoying a Moët & Chandon beverage in their suite at the US Open.

Courtesy of USTA

Dylan O'Brien

The actor caught some caught Day 4 tennis action from the Emirates Suite.

Courtesy of USTA

Inde Navarrette & Nick Aiello

The Obsession star was all smiles in a black Adidas tracksuit on Day One of the 2026 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

Grey Goose

Josh Hart

The New York Knicks champ teamed up with Grey Goose to celebrate the return of the iconic Grey Goose Honey Deuce and The Last Serve Bar at Grand Central Terminal.

Courtesy of USTA

Russell Wilson

The former NFL QB stepped out for the Day 4 evening session in style, sharing stories on the Blue Carpet of his upbringing playing tennis.

Courtesy of Moët & Chandon

Danai Gurira

The Black Panther actress stopped by Moët & Chandon's Club de Tennis Suite during the US Open.

Courtesy of USTA

Jason Biggs

The American Pie actor enjoyed a night out to watch Coco Gauff’s first round victory from the comfort of the Emirates Suite.

Courtesy of USTA

Travis Scott

The rapper cheered on Carlos Alcaraz from his player box, watching him win his first round match in his Cactus Jack-designed kit.

Courtesy of Emirates

Jack Moynahan & Bridget Moynahan

The Boston Blue actress brought along her son Jack to enjoy some opening night tennis from the Emirates Suite.

Courtesy of Moët & Chandon

Alexandra Daddario

Moët & Chandon hosted the White Lotus actress at the Club de Tennis Suite.

Courtesy of USTA

Kate Walsh

"All love love at the opening night of the @USOpen! Only in New York," wrote the Grey's Anatomy actress on her IG post.

Anna Webber/Getty Images for IHG Hotels & Resorts

Maura Higgins

The Traitors alum enjoys an IHG Watermelon Slice cocktail while visiting the IHG Hotels & Resorts Suite at the US Open.

Courtesy of USTA

Kelly Bensimon

The RHONY fan favorite looked stunning on the Blue Carpet for Day One of the 2026 US Open.

Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Heineken

Little Big Town

Kimberly Schlapman, Philip Sweet, Karen Fairchild and Jimi Westbrook stopped by the Heineken Suite at the US Open on Aug. 30.

Courtesy of Moët & Chandon

Paul Anthony Kelly

The Love Story breakout star enjoyed a beverage at the Moet Chandon Club de Tennis during the US Open.

Shea Kastriner/USTA

Tate McRae

She'll go song for song, the players will go back to back. The "Tit For Tat" singer went casual while attending the first day of the US Open.

SJ Weiss

Lexi Minetree & KJ Dillard

The Elle actress and Summer House cast member visited the IHG Hotels & Resorts Suite at the US Open.

Courtesy of Moët & Chandon

Emma Roberts

The American Horror Story star was spotted enjoying The Moët Serve, Moët & Chandon's new ready-to-drink offering with Moët Ice Impérial, fresh lime, and ice.

Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Heineken

Carl Radke

The Summer House star enjoyed a Heineken 0.0 in the Heineken Suite of the US Open.

Brian Bosché

Taylor Townsend

The pro player celebrated the kickoff of the US Open tennis season with her exclusive 40Love Party at Manhattan hotspot Sei Less.

SJ Weiss

Chantel Jeffries

The DJ and model came to play at the IHG Hotels & Resorts Suite during the annual tennis tournament.

Michael Simon/Getty Images for Moroccanoil

Aryna Sabalenka

The defending US Open champion stepped out to celebrate becoming Moroccanoil's newest Global Brand Ambassador.

Jason Crowley/BFA.com

Olivia Ponton & Tayshia Adams

The tastemakers gathered for Marie Claire's "Power Play" dinner at Wild Cherry in New York.

Groot Hospitality

Serena Williams & Coco Gauff

The winning duo joined David Grutman & DraftKings for an exclusive US Open players' dinner at Crane Club in NYC on Aug. 27.

Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Waldorf Astoria New York

Tommy Paul, Leylah Fernandez, Anna Wintour, Maria Sakkari & Ben Shelton

Vogue's Global Editorial Director posed for pics with the players for the Waldorf Astoria Racquet Club's Ballroom Tennis Invitational at Waldorf Astoria New York.

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