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US Open umpire forced to stop match after influencers cause major disruption with 'disrespectful' act
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A tennis match between Naomi Osaka and Anastasia Zakharova was interrupted after officials told off loud spectators.
Osaka was playing in her opening match of this year's US Open on Monday (August 31), with the match reaching a tense period as she became locked in a deuce with her opponent.
But this was when some social media influencers decided it was the best time to stand up and cause a ruckus.
A tennis umpire was then forced to address them over the microphone, instructing them to take their seats during the match.
TV cameras captured the group of loud spectators posing for snaps and recording a video in front of a bright ring light and talking loudly in a hospitality box in Arthur Ashe Stadium, New York.
US Open umpire's message to influencers
Osaka, who is No.13 on the WTA singles ranking, was preparing to serve when the noise broke out.
Other angles from the stands revealed that tennis fans in the crowd were not pleased when those in the hospitality box started to make noise.
The closer video also revealed how loud and disruptive they were, as those around them looked visibly annoyed.
Chair umpire Kader Nouni stepped in, instructing them: "Guys, please, in the suite behind me, thank you guys, please take your seat."
They quietened down following the statement, with the game resuming as normal.
Osaka, who was facing off against 101st-ranked opponent Anastasia Zakharova, was at deuce in the fourth game of the second set at the time of the disruption.
But while the former had the serve, her toss was off and she apologized to her rival before going again.
While the Japanese tennis player lost that point, she would win the match comfortably in straight sets.
Another video of the puzzling incident was posted to TikTok, with a different solo woman seen posing for photos during live play.
She was also using a bright light to enhance the quality of the picture.
The incident forced sports fans to take to social media, as many asked if this was allowed in the first place at Grand Slams.
Tennis fans have criticized the USTA's decision to issue more passes to influencers this year, and many were proven right in this case.
Statement from US Open
Brendan McIntyre, the US Open's head of communications, spoke about the involvement of influencers at their tournaments, highlighting that these incidents happen 'infrequently'.
"We want our fans and guests to have an incredible time when they attend the US Open, but we also need to ensure that does not interfere with the action and competition on the court," he said to the New York Post.
He added: "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."