Naomi Osaka (Photo: Screenshot, @thetennisletter Twitter) | Coco Gauff (Photo: Screenshot, @yahoosports TikTok)
The 2026 U.S. Open has a new audience, and apparently not everyone knows the rules. As celebrities, influencers and first-time tennis fans descended on Flushing Meadows’ USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, some spectators went viral for disruptive behavior. Ring lights in the stands. Talking way too loudly during play. The whole scene felt less like a Grand Slam and more like a content creation free-for-all.
Coco Gauff and Coco Gauff have both spoken up about it. While they’re genuinely excited to see the sport grow and attract new fans, they’re also reminding everyone that the U.S. Open comes with different rules than other events. You can sip your signature Honey Deuce, serve a look, capture the moment. But you have to respect the game.
Word on the street is, the chatter got loud enough that even tennis superstars couldn’t ignore it. The energy shifted from welcoming new blood to something that felt chaotic.
Coco Gauff: You Must “Follow the Etiquette”
“If you were invited to the red carpet, you wouldn’t show up in jeans,” Gauff said in a recent interview. The two-time major champion is excited to see a “different demographic” at the U.S. Open, but she’s also clear about boundaries. Respect tennis etiquette, she stressed.
“Try not to talk too loud,” she suggested, noting that she’s one of the more lenient athletes on tour. “If I had to pick noise over flash… no flash. That actually does mess us up a little bit.”
Naomi Osaka: “It’s Common Courtesy to Read Up on the Sport”
Osaka wasn’t holding back either. The four-time Grand Slam champion made it clear that showing up to a sporting event means respecting the sport itself.
“It’s common courtesy to read up on the sport. Especially the etiquette,” Osaka said. She’s thrilled about the growth and new audience, but she also thinks the game needs to be “managed a lot better.” That said, she remains optimistic about the positives that come with an expanding fan base.
DO: Learn the Rhythm of the Game
You don’t need a tennis certification to attend, but knowing the basics helps. Understand when a point starts and ends. Know what a changeover is. Recognize when players switch sides. Osaka said it best: it’s just common courtesy to inform yourself on what’s expected. The experience will be better for it.
DON’T: Walk Around During a Point
Need a drink? Bathroom break? Find your seat during a changeover or between sets. Moving through the stands while players are actively competing distracts them, especially if you’re in their line of sight. It’s not complicated.
DO: Cheer When the Point is Over
The U.S. Open isn’t known for silence. Get excited. Scream, clap, celebrate. Just save it for after the point ends. During the rally, let them play. Coco Gauff said it clearly: she’d rather deal with crowd noise than camera flashes, but loud talking during active play still isn’t the move.
DON’T: Celebrate Your Opponent’s Mistake
Sports fans are used to banter, but tennis etiquette draws a harder line. There’s a difference between cheering your player’s win and applauding an opponent’s double fault. Celebrate great tennis, regardless of who hits the shot. That’s the standard.
DO: Turn Off Your Flash
Photos are fine. Flash photography isn’t. Bright lights distract players and ruin the experience for everyone. Be mindful of when and how you’re shooting. The last thing needed during a critical moment is the shutter sound of your phone camera.
DON’T: Bring a Ring Light
This one made headlines for a reason. During an Osaka match on Monday, August 31, the chair umpire paused play after content creators in a luxury suite used portable ring lights to film. Tournament referee Jake Garner had to intervene, reminding everyone that while the U.S. Open wants people to have fun, athletes need to play “under the best possible conditions.”
The message was clear: leave the ring light at home.
DO: Keep Your Phone on Silent
A surprise FaceTime ringtone, alarm or notification during a match is the last thing anyone needs. Put your phone on silent before the action begins. Keep your content creation as unobtrusive as possible.
DON’T: Record Videos During Play
We know you want content. A quick clip is one thing, but filming throughout active play distracts players and spectators alike. The videos of this behavior circulating online aren’t getting positive reactions. There’s a reason why.
DO: Find a Cute Outfit That Matches the U.S. Open Aesthetic
The stands are swimming with Ralph Lauren, smart snapback hats, pleated skirts and cashmere draped over shoulders. Think tennis-inspired, polished and comfortable. Whether you’re going full country-club chic or keeping it casual, the U.S. Open is a great excuse to have fun with your fit.
DON’T: Wear Overly Revealing Outfits
There’s no formal dress code, but context matters. You’re at a traditional sporting event. Keep the look cute, comfortable and appropriate for a day in the stands. A little skin is fine. Save the barely-there looks for another occasion.
DO: Look Good, Feel Good and Enjoy the Experience
Come dressed for the occasion. Grab a Honey Deuce. Mingle with the regulars. Soak it all in. Just remember that the U.S. Open is a sporting event first. Knowing what’s expected of you as a spectator makes the experience better for everyone, including yourself.
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