Key Takeaways
- Jessica Pegula criticized influencers using lights during matches at Arthur Ashe Stadium, calling interruptions to play “a bit disrespectful.”
- Top-ranked players Aryna Sabalenka and Daniil Medvedev supported the increased social media presence, with Medvedev citing “more upside than downside” for tennis.
- Patrick McEnroe and Genie Bouchard warned that traditional supporters risk being priced out as brands and creators occupy prime tournament seats.
Pegula voices frustration over disruptions during Arthur Ashe matches
World No. 3 Jessica Pegula believes the conduct of content creators at the US Open has crossed a line this year, voicing concern over disruptive spectators following her second-round victory on Wednesday. Her remarks came after multiple viral videos captured influencers utilizing lights in the stands during play at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Pegula noted that spectator behavior has “gotten a little maybe too much” during this edition of the tournament. While acknowledging the promotional value of modern media, she made it clear that active competition must come first.
“People are down there trying to perform, and it’s their career and their job,” Pegula said. “And it seems a bit disrespectful.”
Known as one of the tour’s most active player representatives, Pegula had previously highlighted how content creators helped introduce fresh audiences to tennis, pointing out earlier in the month that they had assisted in growing the game during what she described as a crossover Hollywood moment filled with fashion and celebrity buzz.
“I think I can appreciate the influencers coming and kind of showcasing the US Open experience,” Pegula explained. “I think 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 part is part of a fan experience and something that people might not know and make them want to go.”
However, when social media production collides with match play, her stance shifts entirely.
“I can appreciate one side of it, but I think we have the other side literally interrupting matches, it gets a little tough,” Pegula added.
Locker room perspectives on the sport’s digital boom
Other top competitors have embraced the online buzz surrounding Flushing Meadows. Women’s world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, who advanced to the third round with a commanding 6-1, 6-1 victory over Polina Iatcenko, enthusiastically endorsed the trend. “I love it, I love it. It’s more eyes on [our] sport,” Sabalenka said.
Former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev, who progressed through his own match with a 6-1, 6-3, 7-5 win against Sebastian Gorzny, also views creator culture as a net positive, arguing it carries “more upside than downside.”
“In general, the more the sport grows, the better it is,” Medvedev noted. “So I would say this way: I trust USTA with what they are doing. For sure, if it disturbs during the play, like if you see the light or something … But I’m pretty sure as well, even then, maybe one time they do it, and then someone tells them not to do it.”
Ticketing concerns and tournament guidelines
The influx of online personalities has nevertheless prompted unease among former players regarding traditional spectators. Patrick McEnroe warned that the shift carries financial consequences for longtime followers, remarking, “It’s maybe not the greatest thing for the real tennis fan because they’ve started getting priced out of the market.”
Genie Bouchard similarly admitted to having “two minds” about the evolving atmosphere inside the grounds.
“I obviously want everyone who wants to go to [the US Open] to be able to go, and true fans to be able to watch. So if it’s more brands or influencers or taking up these spots, then there’s a bit of sadness to that,” Bouchard stated.
Addressing crowd management, US Open head of communications Brendan McIntyre indicated that attendees are reminded to “refrain from any activity that can disrupt the action” via advance emails, suite notices, and video boards.
“It should be noted that these instances happen infrequently, and similar to when crowd noise reaches a certain level, our chair umpires have the ability to address the crowd when they occur,” McIntyre explained.
WTA U.S. Open - Jessica Pegula's projected path
Pegula at the U.S. Open, ranking, and results in 2026
Currently the world no.3 (career-high), Jessica achieved a compiled 47-12 match record in 2026. Pegula is competing at the U.S. Open where she ousted the world no.64 Elena Gabriela Ruse 6-3 6-2 and the world no.110 Sofia Kenin 6-3 6-1.
Jessica Pegula will take on the world no.33 Leylah Fernandez in the 3rd round. Their current head to head is 3-1 for Pegula.
Jessica conquered 2 titles in 2026 in Dubai and Charleston.
The American won 11 titles in her career: 7 on hard courts, 2 on clay courts and 2 on grass courts. (See the list of her titles)
