Naomi Osaka, Jessica Pegula React to Influencer Controversy at US Open

Tom Brady, Bridget Moynahan's Son Jack, 19, Towers Over Her at US Open 2026Naomi Osaka isn't afraid to serve up her opinions. After the legendary tennis player won her second-round match against Katerina Siniakova at the 2026 US Open, she shared her thoughts on critics slamming influencers for being disruptive while filming content during matches. "Today, the umpire," Osaka said during her Sept. 3 post-game press conference, "she told everyone to be quiet more than I've ever heard an umpire tell a crowd to be quiet." And it wasn't the only game the athlete—who won her first match against Anastasia Zakharova on Aug. 31—had seen, or rather heard, commotion from content creators in the stands. "In my first match, I wasn't really paying attention," she explained. "I normally just focus on the match and the court, but there was a moment where there were people shouting and stuff, and you could hear it quite clearly." While the 28-year-old wasn't happy about the distraction during the game—which is traditionally played in a relatively quiet arena—neither was Zakharova. Osaka added, "I think it bothered my opponent, too."During the match in question, a group of influencers was spotted in a now-viral clip making a video while loudly saying Kim Kardashian's quote, "Hey, guys. We're back. Did you miss us 'cause we missed you." While it's all love from Osaka—who hopes to continue bringing new fans to the sport—she also had a message to those attending the US Open. "If you come to a sporting event, you have to respect the sport," she told reporters. "It's common courtesy to read up on the sport, especially the etiquette. It could be a good thing for people to make the sport of tennis popular to their specific audience." Robert Prange/Getty ImagesShe believes there are "huge positives" to having content creators at the event but emphasized, "it has to be managed a lot better, especially in the situation like my first-round match." Meanwhile, Jessica Pegula also weighed in on the influencer controversy after winning her match against Sofia Kenin. "I can appreciate the influencers coming and showcasing the U.S. Open experience," she told reporters during her post-game press conference Sept. 2. "That's something that the US Open has utilized a lot as far as food and drinks and things to do and the shops. That is part of a fan experience and something that people might not know and make them want to go."Erick W. Rasco/Sports Illustrated via Getty ImagesHowever, the tennis star noted that some instances have simply gone too far, describing the behavior as "too much this year." "It's tough when you see videos when they're taking pictures and using the selfie lights," Pegula, 32, explained. "People are down there trying to perform. It's their career and their job. It seems like a bit disrespectful." "I can appreciate one side of it," she continued, "but I think when you have the other side literally interrupting matches, it gets a little tough." As tennis players compete for the U.S. Open Championship Trophy, keep reading for a closer look at all the star-studded attendees.Courtesy of USTATrinity RodmanThe NWSL star sported an "I heart my boyfriend" shirt while supporting Ben Shelton during his second round victory.Courtesy of USTAMartha StewartThe original lifestyle influencer flashed a big smile before stepping into Arthur Ashe Stadium.Courtesy of Moët & ChandonJosh LucasThe Sweet Home Alabama actor was seen enjoying a Moët & Chandon beverage in their suite at the US Open.Courtesy of USTADylan O'BrienThe actor caught some caught Day 4 tennis action from the Emirates Suite.Grey GooseJosh HartThe New York Knicks champ teamed up with Grey Goose to celebrate the return of the iconic Grey Goose Honey Deuce and The Last Serve Bar at Grand Central Terminal.Courtesy of USTARussell WilsonThe former NFL QB stepped out for the Day 4 evening session in style, sharing stories on the Blue Carpet of his upbringing playing tennis.Courtesy of USTAInde Navarrette & Nick AielloThe Obsession star was all smiles in a black Adidas tracksuit on Day One of the 2026 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.Courtesy of Moët & ChandonDanai GuriraThe Black Panther actress stopped by Moët & Chandon's Club de Tennis Suite during the US Open.Courtesy of USTAJason BiggsThe American Pie actor enjoyed a night out to watch Coco Gauff’s first round victory from the comfort of the Emirates Suite.Courtesy of USTATravis ScottThe rapper cheered on Carlos Alcaraz from his player box, watching him win his first round match in his Cactus Jack-designed kit.Courtesy of EmiratesJack Moynahan & Bridget MoynahanThe Boston Blue actress brought along her son Jack to enjoy some opening night tennis from the Emirates Suite.Courtesy of Moët & ChandonAlexandra DaddarioMoët & Chandon hosted the White Lotus actress at the Club de Tennis Suite. Courtesy of USTAKate Walsh"All love love at the opening night of the @USOpen! Only in New York," wrote the Grey's Anatomy actress on her IG post.Anna Webber/Getty Images for IHG Hotels & ResortsMaura HigginsThe Traitors alum enjoys an IHG Watermelon Slice cocktail while visiting the IHG Hotels & Resorts Suite at the US Open. Courtesy of USTAKelly BensimonThe RHONY fan favorite looked stunning on the Blue Carpet for Day One of the 2026 US Open.Craig Barritt/Getty Images for HeinekenLittle Big Town Kimberly Schlapman, Philip Sweet, Karen Fairchild and Jimi Westbrook stopped by the Heineken Suite at the US Open on Aug. 30. Courtesy of Moët & ChandonPaul Anthony KellyThe Love Story breakout star enjoyed a beverage at the Moet Chandon Club de Tennis during the US Open.Shea Kastriner/USTATate McRaeShe'll go song for song, the players will go back to back. The "Tit For Tat" singer went casual while attending the first day of the US Open. SJ WeissLexi Minetree & KJ DillardThe Elle actress and Summer House cast member visited the IHG Hotels & Resorts Suite at the US Open.Courtesy of Moët & ChandonEmma RobertsThe American Horror Story star was spotted enjoying The Moët Serve, Moët & Chandon's new ready-to-drink offering with Moët Ice Impérial, fresh lime, and ice. Craig Barritt/Getty Images for HeinekenCarl RadkeThe Summer House star enjoyed a Heineken 0.0 in the Heineken Suite of the US Open.Brian BoschéTaylor TownsendThe pro player celebrated the kickoff of the US Open tennis season with her exclusive 40Love Party at Manhattan hotspot Sei Less.SJ WeissChantel JeffriesThe DJ and model came to play at the IHG Hotels & Resorts Suite during the annual tennis tournament.Michael Simon/Getty Images for MoroccanoilAryna SabalenkaThe defending US Open champion stepped out to celebrate becoming Moroccanoil's newest Global Brand Ambassador.Jason Crowley/BFA.comOlivia Ponton & Tayshia AdamsThe tastemakers gathered for Marie Claire's "Power Play" dinner at Wild Cherry in New York.Groot HospitalitySerena Williams & Coco GauffThe winning duo joined David Grutman & DraftKings for an exclusive US Open players' dinner at Crane Club in NYC on Aug. 27.Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Waldorf Astoria New YorkTommy Paul, Leylah Fernandez, Anna Wintour, Maria Sakkari & Ben SheltonVogue's Global Editorial Director posed for pics with the players for the Waldorf Astoria Racquet Club's Ballroom Tennis Invitational at Waldorf Astoria New York.Michael Simon / Getty ImagesGayle King & Naomi OsakaThe TV personality and tennis champ faced off in a game of ping pong at the Fourth Annual Petit Slam at Baccarat Hotel New York.Kevin Liew, Aaron Barrera, Alex Enock | PluralCarlos Alcaraz, Jeff Koons & Frances TiafoeThe tennis stars and iconic artist Koons joined evian at its 200 Years Young Celebration in New York City on Aug. 27.Ryan Northrop/BFA.comTaylor Fritz, Caroline Wozniacki, Matteo Berrettini & Serena WilliamsThe tennis stars gathered as Lotte New York Palace hosted its ninth annual “Palace Invitational” pickleball tournament ahead of the US Open.For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! 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