The ongoing discussion surrounding the role of influencers at the 2026 US Open has taken a new turn as the tournament officials address the revocation of credentials for two influencers. Meg Radice and Audrey Jongens, who operate the popular New York-based restaurant and lifestyle account 'The VIP List,' claimed they lost their access just hours after posting a video showcasing their credentials.
In a statement released to The Athletic, US Open head Brendan McIntyre clarified that Radice and Jongens were not authorized as media or content creators. Instead, he explained that they were mistakenly included on a staff list submitted by a food vendor. McIntyre, who also serves as the managing director of the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA), emphasized the importance of proper credentialing for events of this magnitude.
In their social media video, Radice and Jongens expressed their passion for tennis, describing their credentialing as a dream come true. They acknowledged the ongoing discussions about the presence of influencers at the tournament but insisted that their intentions were genuine and respectful. "We were there to be respectful and follow the rules and have a good time," Jongens stated, while Radice added, "And it was taken away, just because we wanted to show how hot we looked in our credentials."
This incident highlights a broader trend at this year's US Open, where the number of influencers credentialed has significantly increased. Reports indicate that while 54 content creators received media credentials in 2025, that number nearly doubled to around 100 for the current tournament. This surge has sparked debates about the appropriateness of influencers at a prestigious sporting event.
The US Open has historically been known for its lively atmosphere, encouraging crowd engagement, which contrasts sharply with the more subdued environments at tournaments like Wimbledon and Roland-Garros. However, this year has seen a notable increase in disruptions caused by influencers. For instance, Naomi Osaka's first-round match was interrupted when several influencers filmed and conducted photoshoots during play, prompting the chair umpire to intervene.
Players have voiced their opinions on the influx of influencers at the tournament. Osaka, addressing the issue, expressed a desire for attendees to respect the sport, especially if they are new to it. She remarked, "I feel like it’s common courtesy to read up on the sport. Especially the etiquette. I think it has to be managed a lot better."
Coco Gauff also weighed in, acknowledging the positive impact of attracting a new demographic to tennis while emphasizing the need for proper etiquette. Gauff stated, "I think it’s great to have a different demographic to the sport... But like with anything, any venue you go to, like if you’re being invited to a red carpet, you wouldn’t show up in jeans."
Daniil Medvedev shared a more optimistic view, suggesting that the presence of influencers could benefit the sport. He noted, "The more we try to raise awareness about tennis, the better it is. For sure there is some downside, but in general, the more the sport grows the better it is."
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