Andy Roddick criticizes US Open marketing over influencer lighting disruptions

Former world No. 1 Andy Roddick is calling for stricter oversight of influencer behavior at the US Open following recent disruptions during live play. During a first-round match between Naomi Osaka and Anastasia Zakharova, influencers in a suite were asked by the chair umpire to sit down after using bright lights that interfered with the game. Roddick emphasized that even the tournament's official broadcast partner, ESPN, restricts lighting on its sets to avoid distracting players during points. The issue has drawn criticism from other players, including Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, and Daniil Medvedev. Roddick suggested that any attendees who violate these standards by using ring lights should be blacklisted from future content creation programs at the event. The US Open continues to evaluate its influencer strategy as players express concerns over the impact on match conditions.

• 8:34 AMYahoo Sports — “You’re out”- Andy Roddick Calls for Total Revamp of US Open Marketing Amid Influencer Row