Coco Gauff Addresses Influencers Disrupting Matches at US Open After Naomi Osaka Interruption

Coco Gauff weighed in on social media influencers disrupting US Open matches following an interruption during Naomi Osaka's first-round match.

"I think it's great to have a different demographic to the sport," Gauff told reporters on Thursday, via People's Skyler Caruso. "I have no problem with influencers. I've met some of them and follow some of them online."

"Luckily the ones I do follow online do follow the etiquette and know tennis pretty well," she added.

Gauff explained how some actions of influencers, particularly flash photography, have bothered her during matches.

"I definitely think no flash photography because that does bother [me]. I am one of the lenient players," Gauff said, per Caruso. "Try not to talk too loud. I mean, Ashe is a very loud court, so I'm used to it, but definitely not like mouthing TikToks and stuff in the middle of a point."

"It's not just for the rest of the players but for the viewing experience for those around," she added. "If I had to pick noise over flash, I definitely think no flash because that actually does mess us up a little bit."

During Osaka's first-round clash with Anastasia Zakharova, umpire Kader Nouni paused play to ask guests to limit their distractions.

Osaka ended up defeating Zakharova before taking down Kateřina Siniaková in the second round.

Gauff has also punched her ticket to the third round of the US Open, winning over Zeynep Sönmez and Paula Badosa in straight sets.

Her next match takes place against Cristina Bucșa on Saturday.