Wimbledon chief clarifies influencer access and courtside conduct rules

Wimbledon has no separate accreditation category for social media influencers, interim All England Club chief executive Richard Atkinson has said, while making clear that content creators remain part of its marketing. BBC Sport reported that sources consider a change to the accreditation policy unlikely in the near future.

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Speaking at the Leaders Week conference at Stamford Bridge, Atkinson contrasted Wimbledon's approach with the atmosphere at the US Open, according to LBC. He pointed to the club's existing restrictions on disruptive equipment, including lighting, and said spectators themselves help discourage behaviour that might distract players. His remarks described controls already in place, rather than a newly announced blanket exclusion of creators.

LBC reported that the discussion followed disruption during Naomi Osaka's first-round US Open match against Anastasia Zakharova. Influencers filming from a hospitality suite used a bright ring light, while loud conversation prompted repeated requests for quiet from the chair umpire. The incident brought the conduct of invited content creators into the wider debate about audience behaviour at tennis matches.

BBC Sport reported that creators attending through commercial partners, including Polo Ralph Lauren, are closely supervised. Atkinson acknowledged their importance in reaching audiences as media habits change and rejected the idea of keeping all influencers away. He said Wimbledon's marketing staff work to ensure their activities fit the tournament's identity.

Coco Gauff also addressed the balance between attracting spectators and respecting the competition. As reported by LBC, she welcomed the opportunity to reach a new demographic and help tennis grow, but said visitors should observe the sport's etiquette. Her comments supported bringing new audiences into tennis while asking them to adapt their behaviour to the setting.

Atkinson's comments about military personnel intervening against disruptive influencers were made jokingly, BBC Sport reported. He suggested Royal Marine commandos at the tournament would relish dealing with such behaviour. The report also said spectators would not be permitted to bring portable ring lights into Wimbledon.