
The US Open is increasingly using social media influencers to reach a younger audience, changing the sport of tennis and drawing criticism.
AI-generated summary
The US Open is trying to appeal to a younger audience through social media influencers by filming them during matches and housing them in their own suites.
This printable was created on September 4, 2026 and is licensed for personal use only.
Other uses violate copyright
Trouble at the Tennis Grand Slam “The US Open has an influencer problem, and it’s getting worse”
They film themselves during matches and cavort around in their own suite: With the help of more social media stars than ever before, the US Open wants to reach a new audience. How this changes the sport.
By Lukas Brems
September 4, 2026, 3:01 p.m
The German women's national basketball team lost the World Cup opening game against Spain 53:83 and has to play against Japan just 22 hours later. Despite the clear defeat, there was a euphoric mood in the sold-out Uber Arena, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz praising the atmosphere as advertising for Germany's Olympic bid. The team was very nervous and also had to do without top star Satou Sabally.

The US Open officially accredited influencers for the first time and doubled their number to 100 to reach new target groups. While critics complain about commercialization and the loss of tennis atmosphere, organizers like Craig Tiley see this as a necessary development in order to strengthen the sport in the long term and secure it financially.

Para-swimmer Josia Topf, who was born without arms, swims unprotected with his head against the edge of the pool when the timer is triggered, as padding of the swimming cap or the stop is not permitted by the World Para Swimming Association. Despite repeated requests and health concerns, the issue is ignored, causing Topf to fear an early end to his career.

The DFB is facing a power struggle between the amateur and professional sectors due to the planned digital clubhouse platform for data collection, the lucrative Nike sponsorship deal and growing dissatisfaction in the regional associations over the influence of Hans-Joachim Watzke and Ronny Zimmermann. At the same time, the dispute over the regional league reform with the planned compass model is escalating.
Basketball star Caitlin Clark is creating records and attention in the WNBA. Despite polarizing reactions, she leads the US team as the World Cup favorite at the World Cup in Berlin, where the team will face China at the start.

The Diamond League final in Brussels' King Baudouin Stadium brings together the world's athletics elite. With only eight German and a total of 63 European participants, the event highlights the discrepancy between continental success and global competition.