U.S. Open Guide: What You Need to Know

The 2026 U.S. Open has a new audience, and apparently not everyone got the memo on how to behave. As celebrities, influencers and first-time tennis fans descended on Flushing Meadows’ USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, some spectators went viral for all the wrong reasons. Ring lights in the stands. Loud conversations mid-rally. The works. The scene became so chaotic that even Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka felt compelled to weigh in on what’s expected of attendees.

Tennis superstars are excited about growing the sport’s audience, but they’re also reminding newcomers that the U.S. Open comes with etiquette requirements you won’t find at, say, a basketball game. Sip your Honey Deuce cocktail, capture the moment, serve a look if you want. Just respect the sport. Coco Gauff and Osaka have made it clear that respecting the game isn’t negotiable.

Word on the street is the world-class event turned into an influencer circus, and the chatter got loud enough that tennis icons had to address it publicly. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or stepping onto the grounds for the first time, here’s what you need to know to enjoy the tournament without becoming that fan everyone’s talking about.

Coco Gauff: You Must “Follow the Etiquette”

“If you were invited to the red carpet, you wouldn’t show up in jeans,” Gauff said when addressing the influencer influx. While she’s thrilled to see a “different demographic” at the U.S. Open, she emphasized the importance of respecting tennis etiquette. “Try not to talk too loud,” she suggested, noting 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 echoed similar sentiments. The four-time Grand Slam champion stressed that spectators should inform themselves about what’s expected at a professional tennis event. “If you come to a sporting event, you have to respect the sport. I feel like it’s common courtesy to read up on the sport. Especially the etiquette,” she said. While she’s enthusiastic about the sport’s growth, Osaka also noted that match management could improve. Overall, though, she sees the larger influx of fans as a net positive.

DO: Learn the Rhythm of the Game

You don’t need to become a tennis expert overnight, but knowing the basics matters. Understand when a point starts and ends, what a changeover is, when players switch sides. As Osaka said, it’s simply “common courtesy” to inform yourself on the expectations, particularly around etiquette. This knowledge transforms your experience from confusing to genuinely enjoyable.

DON’T: Walk Around During a Point

Need a drink, bathroom break, or help finding your seat? Wait for the changeover or between sets. Getting up and moving through the stands during active play can distract players, especially if you’re in their line of sight. It’s a small adjustment that shows respect for the athletes competing.

DO: Cheer When the Point is Over

The U.S. Open isn’t known for a silent crowd, so let loose. Save the screaming, clapping and celebrations for after the point ends. During the rally, let the players focus. Get excited, get loud, just time it right. Gauff mentioned that flash is particularly problematic, but excessive talking during play isn’t welcome either.

DON’T: Celebrate Your Opponent’s Mistake

Tennis draws a stricter line than most sports when it comes to spectator conduct. There’s a real difference between celebrating your player’s win and mocking an opponent’s double fault. Applaud great tennis regardless of who hits the shot. That’s the standard.

DO: Turn Off Your Flash

Yes, take pictures. No, don’t blind the athletes while doing it. Flash photography and bright lights distract players mid-competition, so disable those settings. Also be mindful of shutter sounds. The last thing anyone wants during a quiet moment is your iPhone clicking away.

DON’T: Bring a Ring Light

This one needs emphasis because it actually happened. An Osaka match was briefly halted on Monday, August 31, when the chair umpire paused play after content creators in a luxury suite used portable ring lights to film. Tournament referee Jake Garner explained that while they want everyone to enjoy the event, players must compete “under the best possible conditions.” Leave the ring light at home. This isn’t a production studio.

DO: Keep Your Phone on Silent

A FaceTime ringtone, alarm, or notification mid-match benefits no one. Put your phone on silent before the action begins and keep your content creation as low-key as possible.

DON’T: Record Videos During Play

You want the content. That’s understandable. But don’t turn the match into your personal production set. A quick clip is fine. Filming throughout active play distracts both players and fellow spectators. Videos of this behavior are circulating online, and the reactions range from critical to scathing.

DO: Find a Cute Outfit That Matches the U.S. Open Aesthetic

Tennis-inspired, polished and comfortable works best. The outdoor stadium is filled with Ralph Lauren, smart snapback hats, pleated skirts, knits draped around shoulders. Whether you’re leaning into full country-club chic or keeping it casual, the U.S. Open is the perfect occasion to have fun with your fit.

DON’T: Wear Overly Revealing Outfits

There’s no formal dress code, but remember what event you’re attending. Keep it cute, comfortable and appropriate for sitting in the stands all day. A little skin is fine. Barely-there looks belong elsewhere.

DO: Look Good, Feel Good and Enjoy the Experience

Come dressed for the occasion, grab a Honey Deuce, mingle with fellow fans and soak it all in. Just keep in mind: the U.S. Open is a sporting event first. Knowing what’s expected of you as a spectator makes the experience better for everyone involved, including yourself.