Taylor Fritz has joined the debate on influencers in tennis after many came under fire for their behavior at the US Open.
Around 100 influencers were invited to join the US Open in New York this year, in a bid to reach out to new audiences. But many attracted criticism for their actions during the tournament, especially during matches.
Players often felt distracted by attendees carrying out their social media duties in the stands while they were on the court, although there was support elsewhere as the sport looks to grow even bigger than it already is.
ATP superstar Fritz has now shared his thoughts on the situation, which has already prompted Wimbledon to plan an influencer etiquette test in order to avoid a repeat of the unwanted distractions that took place at Flushing Meadows.
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Taylor Fritz happy with tennis influencers if they behave appropriately
Offering an honest insight as he always does, Fritz said on The Big T podcast: “I think as long as they know just kind of how they should be behaving at a tennis match, then it’s good. You know what I mean?
“I don’t care if people are coming to tennis that aren’t massive tennis fans or maybe don’t even know completely what’s going on. I think it’s good for the sport to draw eyes, and I think it’s good for the sport if tournaments turn into a cool thing to go to and be at.
“I think that brings more eyes to the sport, and more eyes to the sport means more people will naturally be converted into true tennis fans. Nobody starts out knowing everything there is about tennis, understanding the scoring, all that stuff.
“So I don’t have an issue with it as long as they’re not doing the massive ring light disrupting a match. I think you need to know at a baseline level how to behave at a match. I think the baseline level is to not interrupt a match.
“But I think in general it’s good. I think more eyes to the sport is good. I think who cares if they don’t know what’s going on? Having tennis events be something that’s cool to go to and be a part of is good.”
Most notably during the Grand Slam, WTA superstar Naomi Osaka urged influencers to respect the etiquette of tennis, while ATP aces Frances Tiafoe and Daniil Medvedev welcomed the attempts to grow the sport.
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Taylor Fritz praises Alex de Minaur ahead of 2026 Laver Cup
Incidentally, Fritz did not last long at the US Open, suffering a shock third round exit in his home Grand Slam. It was a painful defeat for the American on home soil, but he now has the chance to bounce back at the Laver Cup.
He is representing Team World at the O2 in London, where Andre Agassi will serve as captain and Pat Rafter will serve as vice-captain. Joining Fritz on the court are the likes of Alexander Bublik and Alex de Minaur, who have drawn praise from the American.
“We have such good team chemistry and energy amongst all of us,” he said. “I think he’ll (Bublik) be fun to have on the team. We’ve never had him, but I think he’ll be fun. I think he could be an asset for doubles as well.
“Having Demon’s (De Minaur) great. He always brings such energy and intensity. Last year he did so well to get us through it. I’m excited for Learner [Tien] to be on the team for the first time. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”
Fresh from his US Open third round win over Fritz, Francisco Cerundolo will also play for Team World, as well as Brandon Nakashima. Meanwhile, Yannick Noah and Tim Henman will serve as captain and vice-captain respectively for Team Europe, which comprises Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, Flavio Cobolli, Rafael Jodar, Jakub Mensik and Casper Ruud.
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