Richard Atkinson, interim chief executive of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, humorously suggested that Royal Marine commandos, providing security at Wimbledon, would relish the opportunity to manage disruptive social media influencers at the event. This comment follows the accreditation of 100 influencers and content creators by US Open organizers for this year's tournament, which sparked discussions about proper tennis etiquette after a match involving two-time champion Naomi Osaka was interrupted by a photo shoot.

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Atkinson noted that Wimbledon does not currently offer accreditation to influencers, a practice likely to remain unchanged. While he acknowledged that influencers play a vital role in modern marketing, he emphasized that any influencers brought in by sponsors would be closely monitored. He reinforced Wimbledon's traditional ethos of self-policing, where fans respect the gameplay.

World number four Coco Gauff commented on the disruption at the US Open, stating that while welcoming a new demographic is important, adherence to the sport's etiquette is equally crucial. Atkinson reiterated Wimbledon's stance on influencers during a panel discussion at Leaders Week London, stating, "We don't have a category of accredited people called influencers," yet recognized their significance in today's marketing landscape. He mentioned, however, that appropriate measures would be taken to manage any influencers present, such as ensuring they are chaperoned by brand representatives.

Atkinson contrasted the lively atmosphere of the US Open with Wimbledon, suggesting that the setting at SW19 is less conducive to spontaneous broadcasting by ticket holders. He remarked, "If you tried to do that at Wimbledon, I think you'd probably have some Royal Marine Commando..." adding lightheartedly that they would likely enjoy dealing with any influencers causing disruption.

Additionally, attendees will be prohibited from bringing portable ring lights, often used by content creators, to Wimbledon. Atkinson recognized the changing media landscape, expressing the importance of embracing influencers to maintain the tournament's relevance while ensuring compatibility with the Wimbledon brand's integrity.