An Open too open

Last Sunday, at the US Open, a new disturbance in the stands once again made the crowd the protagonist of the tournament. This time it was a spectator excessively uninhibited by the effect of some substance. Witnesses pointed to excessive alcohol consumption. In the image, a security guard approaches the individual to remove him. The man in the blue shirt, gesticulating, berates tennis player Jakub Mensík. The Czech was facing the American Learner Tien in the third round. Reuters photographer Jerry Lai captures the moment when some spectators, indignant, point at the individual so that he is expelled. Since the tournament began, players have criticized the public's behavior: Sabalenka, Mensík, Osaka, Mannarino, and Boulter have complained because the commotion in the stands breaks their concentration for the game: groups of influencers recording promotions and choreographies during the matches, fans making noise to distract their favorite player's rival, smokers ignoring the venue's prohibitions, or people moving up and down among the public to get cocktails. In the background, the stench of marijuana that spreads through Flushing Meadows and that the New York breeze carries to the court.

The image could be interpreted as a portrait of today's society, more individualistic and uncivil. It is increasingly common to find people who are disrespectful to others. They use the shared public space as if they were its owners. But the US Open organization is also responsible for this regrettable showcase. For the sake of media coverage, major events are used as simple commercial containers. The tournament has granted this year a hundred accreditations to influencers, double that of last year. About twenty of these characters were specialized in the promotion of food and drinks. Nothing to do with the world of tennis. The US Open has turned the championship into a backdrop to showcase the experience of these guests, making them believe they are illustrious. Brands honor them with all kinds of luxuries so they can advertise their products. The tennis environment, always associated with a certain social status, provides them with a disguise of prestige. On social media, even the most miserable appear to live the life of a tycoon. While on the court the tennis players compete for the title, in the stands the public competes to be seen. They believe the spectacle makes sense thanks to their presence.

In the face of this bleak outlook, Wimbledon has reassured fans by confirming that it will continue to ban access to influencers, as it has done until now. The All England Club's rules have always been very strict regarding conduct, mobile phone recordings, and the objects that can be brought into the stands. Its glamour is intended to be limited to the great stars who, silent and elegant, only move their heads from left to right and vice versa to follow the yellow ball. The problem with screens is not just addiction but the plague of human stupidity and the delusions of notoriety they foster.