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With tennis fandom on the rise, the U.S. Open and sponsoring brands put the foc…
Those initiatives speak to a growing tennis fanbase beyond those who follow the sport, but also those who tune in for fashion and lifestyle content.
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US Open Under Scrutiny: Influencer Culture Sparks Debate Over Fan Experience and Etiquette
New York, NY – The annual US Open, a highlight on the global tennis calendar, is facing a growing debate regarding its evolving atmosphere, with many long-time attendees expressing concerns over the impact of influencer culture on the fan experience. A recent social media post by 'strategyhq' ignited a discussion, posing the question: "Influencers have changed the game. What do you think—better hype or worse fan experience?" The video's author, who attended day one of the tournament, observed a noticeable decline in traditional tennis etiquette. "This actually happened on match point," she stated, referring to instances of spectators moving and talking during crucial moments, behaviors that she claims would have led to swift removal in previous years. "Tennis etiquette is clearly gone," she concluded, suggesting a shift towards an event focused more on "content and outfits" than the sport itself. The sentiment appears to resonate widely among fans. Comments on the post reveal a strong current of frustration. One user lamented, "I’m tired of influencers who don’t know the sport getting free passes at any sporting event. It boils my blood." Another, a 15-year veteran of the Open, shared a similar experience: "Zero etiquette. I’ve been going to the open for 15 years and pay for box seats... all i’m surrounded by now is individuals talking about random stuff during points, taking photos of themselves during points, walking during points, and more." This fan also noted a decline in strict seating policies, leading to frequent disruptions. However, some offered a more nuanced view. One comment suggested, "The US Open has become the New York 'it spot' for end of summer. I think both experiences are fun - the focused fan or the casual fan." Another acknowledged, "influencers have made the event much more popular, a fomo thing to do in nyc at the end of summer. its horrible." This highlights a perceived trade-off between increased popularity and maintaining the integrity of the traditional fan experience. The discussion points to a broader trend affecting major sporting events, with fans noting similar issues in golf and concerts. The rising cost of tickets was also a recurring complaint, with attendees questioning the value of an expensive ticket for a potentially diminished experience. As the US Open continues, the debate over balancing commercial appeal with fan satisfaction is likely to remain a central theme.
