Wimbledon's interim chief executive, Richard Atkinson, has expressed confidence that the tournament will not experience the disruptions caused by influencers seen at the US Open. Following a season where the US Open accredited 100 influencers—double that of the previous year—Atkinson noted concerns about how these individuals affected the integrity of matches, including incidents where players were interrupted while competing.
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Atkinson emphasized the high standards of security at Wimbledon, suggesting that the military-trained personnel present would take swift action against unauthorized filming or disruptive behavior. He remarked, "If you try to do that at Wimbledon, I think you’d probably have some Royal Marines Commando stopping you."
Wimbledon does not directly accredit influencers but allows them access through partnerships with brands like Ralph Lauren. While acknowledging the influencers' role in promoting the sport, Atkinson stressed the importance of maintaining the tournament's traditions. He stated it is crucial to manage their presence effectively to preserve the event's decorum.
During the US Open, tennis player Naomi Osaka spoke out against the disruptive behavior of influencers, highlighting the need for attendees to understand the sport's etiquette. John McEnroe also commented, noting that while influencers could potentially bring more interest to tennis, he would find their presence distracting if he were competing.