Will hordes of influencers, weed smokers and mid-point talkers bring down the US Open?
This year, the noise at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center has officially become A Problem. But changing it would mean changing society
TL;DR
- The US Open is experiencing unprecedented crowd noise and disruptive behavior, including influencers filming during matches and fans smelling of marijuana.
- Critics blame influencers and a general lack of consideration, but the article points to the tournament's extensive commercialization and brand partnerships as a contributing factor.
- The disruptive atmosphere is seen as a reflection of societal issues and the commercialization of culture, making it difficult to address without broader societal change.
- The article questions whether tennis should adapt to a more boisterous environment or maintain its traditional decorum, suggesting that increased accessibility might lead to a less refined crowd.
- Ultimately, the author argues that the US Open's crowd is a microcosm of modern society, and meaningful change would require a rejection of the attention economy and a return to community.