✨ Let’s get into it ✨
⏱ 2 min read
💡 TLDR
Rennae Stubbs is calling out the influencer ring-light drama, but she’s actually low-key loving how creators are making tennis more diverse and inclusive. It’s all about finding that balance between chasing clout and respecting the athletes' grind!
📑 Quick Jump
The U.S. Open was serving absolute heat on the court this year, but the real tea was happening in the stands. While Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, and Ben Shelton were busy making history, some attendees were busy setting up ring lights for mid-game photoshoots. It’s giving main character energy, but not necessarily the kind that players are vibing with. Australian tennis legend and coach Rennae Stubbs finally weighed in on the influencer chaos during an episode of Nice Talk, and her take is actually super nuanced.
Respect The Grind
Stubbs isn’t trying to gatekeep tennis or ban everyone without a ranking, but she does have a major boundary when it comes to etiquette. She told editor-in-chief Nikki Ogunnaike at the Asics House of Tennis that while new faces bring necessary eyes to the sport, there has to be a line. At the end of the day, this is a sporting event that those two competitors that are on that court are working their ass off. For Stubbs, the issue isn’t the followers; it’s the lack of respect for the athletes who are putting everything on the line during every single point.
💫 At the end of the day, this is a sporting event that those two competitors that are on that court are working their ass off.
Diversifying The Court
Despite the photoshoot drama, Stubbs is actually a huge fan of how influencers are helping tennis evolve. She pointed out that people like Paige Lorenze (married to Tommy Paul) and Morgan Riddle (formerly with Taylor Fritz) have been massive for promoting the lifestyle side of the game. Even more importantly, she highlighted Ayan Broomfield—a former UCLA player turned influencer traveling with Frances Tiafoe—for her mission to get more women of color into stadiums. Stubbs believes this shift is essential for making the sport feel inclusive rather than inaccessible.
By bringing in diverse crowds through creators and seeing icons like the Williams sisters pave the way, Stubbs thinks the sport is becoming much more interesting. Between Tiafoe’s success and a new wave of players of color, the energy is shifting in a way that makes the game better for everyone. It’s all about finding that balance between being content-ready and actually honoring the competition.
Are you Team Influencer or do you think they need to put the ring lights away during matches?
❓ People Also Ask
Why is Rennae Stubbs concerned about influencer behavior at the U.S. Open?
Rennae Stubbs is concerned because some attendees are prioritizing social media photoshoots over respecting the intensity of the competition. While she does not want to gatekeep the sport, she believes that using ring lights and setting up mid-game content disrupts the professional atmosphere. For Stubbs, the primary issue is a lack of respect for the athletes who are working incredibly hard and putting everything on the line during every single point of the match.
How are influencers helping to diversify the sport of tennis?
Influencers are helping to diversify tennis by promoting the lifestyle side of the game and making the sport feel more inclusive to new audiences. Specifically, creators like Ayan Broomfield are working toward the mission of getting more women of color into stadium seats. By bringing in diverse crowds through social media content, these creators help ensure the sport feels accessible rather than exclusive, which helps evolve the energy and culture of the game for everyone.
What is Rennae Stubbs' stance on the role of creators in tennis?
Rennae Stubbs holds a nuanced view that balances the benefits of social media visibility with the necessity of professional etiquette. She appreciates how creators like Paige Lorenze and Morgan Riddle promote the lifestyle aspects of tennis to bring new eyes to the sport. However, she maintains that there must be a clear boundary regarding behavior. The goal is to find a balance where creators can promote the game without distracting from the hard work of the competitors.
Which influencers has Rennae Stubbs highlighted for their impact on tennis culture?
Rennae Stubbs has highlighted several key figures including Paige Lorenze and Morgan Riddle for their ability to promote the lifestyle side of professional tennis. She also specifically pointed to Ayan Broomfield, a former UCLA player, for her significant efforts in increasing the presence of women of color in tennis stadiums. These individuals are seen as vital contributors to the shifting, more inclusive energy currently surrounding the sport and its growing global audience.
💬 What do you think? Let us know in the comments! 👇
📰 Source: Marie Claire