Why are influencers serving up a problem at the US Open?

The US Open - one of tennis' four main competitions - is currently underway in New York, with some of the world's biggest stars taking part.

However, this year's tournament is attracting attention for what is happening in the stands, rather than on the courts.

That's because around 100 influencers have been invited to attend the Open, but some players have raised concerns about some of them filming and taking photos during games, saying it can distract those competing.

Their presence has sparked discussion about how social media content can be created while respecting tennis matches.

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Around 100 influencers and content creators have been given an invitation to attend this year's US Open - twice as many as last year.

The tournament organisers say they want to find new ways of reaching people who might not normally watch or follow tennis.

But some incidents involving influencers have caused concern.

For example, during two-time champion Naomi Osaka's first-round match, one group held a photo shoot in their hospitality suite while play was going on.

The group turned on a portable ring light while Osaka was serving, leading to a warning from the umpire.

When Osaka returned for her next match, the crowd had to be reminded several times to be quiet.

Players have had different views about influencers being invited to the tournament.

World number four Coco Gauff said she thought it was "cool" to have a new group of people interested in tennis.

However, she added that influencers should follow the "etiquette" of tennis.

Naomi Osaka shared a similar view, saying: "Overall, I think there are huge positives. You want people to continue to grow the sport.

"I just think it has to be in a way that everyone knows the rules and the etiquette," she added.

American world number three Jessica Pegula said that some of the behaviour had seemed "a bit disrespectful".

"I do think that it's tough when you see videos when they're taking pictures and using the selfie lights.

"People are down there trying to perform. It's their career and their job..I think it's become a little too much this year," she explained.

However, men's seventh seed Daniil Medvedev had a more positive view.

He believed there was "a lot more upside than downside" to finding new ways to bring more people to tennis and trusted the organisers with what they were doing.

American player Frances Tiafoe also praised the Open and that the tournament attracted "all types of people".

He added: "I have no problem with anybody doing anything, coming to watch the tennis."

In a statement, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) said it wants to grow tennis in the US and bring new audiences into the sport.

However, it added that fans and guests should "ensure they do not interfere with the action and competition on the court."

"We are continually looking for ways to ensure fans in the stands know what is permitted and what is prohibited," it added.

Since the incident during Naomi Osaka's first match, there has been increased messaging on screens around the tournament reminding people to "refrain from any activity that could disrupt the game, including noise levels, flash photography and ring lights".