US OPEN CROWD BEHAVIOUR DRAWS COMPLAINTS FROM PLAYERS AND FANS

Spectators at this year's US Open have been accused of disruptive conduct during matches, with players and fans citing booing, heckling and shouting during points as persistent problems. On Sunday, the Louis Armstrong Stadium crowd chanted "Kick them out" after two hecklers repeatedly targeted Jakub Mensik, causing play to stop in the fourth set; security escorted one fan out whilst another departed voluntarily. Benjamin Bonzi reported that he was repeatedly booed whilst attempting to serve against Daniil Medvedev, forcing him to step back from the line multiple times. Aryna Sabalenka and Katie Boulter both cited the smell of marijuana on the grounds as a distraction during their matches.

Naomi Osaka raised concerns about influencers attending the tournament following two separate disruptions during her second-round match. In a statement after her victory, Osaka said: "If you come to a sporting event, you have to respect the sport. And I feel like it's common courtesy to read up on the sport, especially the etiquette." A fan posted on X on 6 September listing multiple behavioural issues, describing the conduct as "a lack of class" rather than legitimate passion. Online discussion reflected broader frustration, with some observers noting that crowds at the US Open have historically been described as louder and more self-involved than those at other major tennis tournaments.

The concerns extend beyond this year's event, with complaints about spectator behaviour at Flushing Meadows recurring across multiple seasons. Players and attending fans have increasingly called for stricter standards of conduct in the stands to preserve the integrity of competitive play.