Wimbledon rules out dedicated accreditation for influencers after US Open disruptions

Wimbledon does not plan to introduce a dedicated accreditation category for influencers and content creators at next year’s tournament following a series of disruptions at the US Open.

The All England Lawn Tennis Club, which organizes Wimbledon, will also enforce its entry conditions by confiscating equipment such as ring lights when it considers the items capable of distracting players or disrupting matches.

The policy does not prevent influencers from attending Wimbledon as ticket holders but means they will not be offered a separate form of official media accreditation based on their status as content creators.

The move follows debate over spectator behavior at the US Open in New York, where approximately 100 creator media credentials were issued this year, nearly twice the number granted when the program began in 2025.

During Naomi Osaka’s first-round match against Anastasia Zakharova, a group in a hospitality suite was seen recording content and making noise during play, prompting the chair umpire to intervene.

Other footage from the tournament showed spectators using bright ring lights and flash photography while matches were underway.

The US Tennis Association later said the people responsible for the disruption during Osaka’s match were not among the officially accredited content creators.

The association increased signage around the tournament grounds and contacted ticket and suite holders to remind them that flash photography, ring lights and other activities that could interfere with play were prohibited.

Osaka said people attending sporting events had a responsibility to understand and observe appropriate behavior.

“If you come to a sporting event, you have to respect the sport,” she said. “I feel like it’s common courtesy to read up on the sport, especially etiquette.”

Wimbledon’s existing accreditation rules prioritize professional journalists and media organizations, with applications granted or rejected at the All England Club’s discretion.

The 2027 Wimbledon Championships are scheduled to take place from June 28 to July 11.