Influencers slammed over lack of tennis knowledge despite AO invite

Influencers invited to attend the AO are being called out for their lack of tennis knowledge after a social media star claimed the retired legend would take out the tournament.

Influencers invited to attend the Australian Open by big brands are being slammed for their lack of tennis knowledge after a social media star claimed retired legend Serena Williams would take out the tournament.

In a video posted online by clothing store Selfie Leslie, several influencers were asked their predictions on who would win.

The majority of the women, sitting in a Melbourne Park corporate box and dressed by the brand for free, answered Aryna Sabalenka.

But content creator Olivia Grivas claimed Williams, who retired from the court in 2022 with 23 grand slam titles to her name, had a chance.

“I don’t think she plays, does she?” Sam Guggenheimer said.

Sam Guggenheimer and Olivia Grivas.

Thanasi Kokkinakis’ ex-girlfriend Hannah Dal Sasso looked visibly shocked as she replied “did you just say Sabrina Williams?”

“It’s Serena Williams, you said Sabrina,” Ms Guggenheimer said to Ms Grivas.

It’s unclear whether Ms Grivas said “Sabrina” or “Serena”.

In another video, the women were asked if they understood the terms deuce, advantage point and serve.

“I didn’t know any but I was just taking a wild guess,” Ms Guggenheimer said.

Aussie tennis player Charlotte Nicholls said it was “sad”.

“I just saw a video of some influencers at the Australian Open answering some super basic questions about tennis and they got absolutely none right,” she said on social media.

“I just thought it was general knowledge to know a little bit about tennis like what a volley is, what love means and just some basic scoring.”

Disgruntled tennis fans took to the comment section to slam the women.

“It’s an insult they get to go and have no idea who or what they are watching,”one man said.

“Do the bare min (sic) research.”

“Try to give tickets to fans instead of these people who clearly don’t care,” another said.

Others said it was “unfair for genuine tennis fans” and they “don’t deserve what they get”.

Brands who have invited influencers to the Open this year include Bondi Sands, Ralph Lauren, New Balance, Mecca, TikTok, Chemist Warehouse and Emirates.

Some influencers are paid thousands of dollars to promote and sell the brands’ products and services.

Originally published as Influencers slammed over lack of tennis knowledge despite AO invite