Tennis star defends OnlyFans amid US Open run

A pro athlete defends her OnlyFans presence while advancing in the US Open qualifiers, drawing debate over income, identity, and public expectations.

Sachia Vickery Defends OnlyFans Choice Amid US Open Run

Sachia Vickery is competing in the US Open 2025 qualifiers in New York City as she faces questions about her decision to operate an OnlyFans account. In a series of Instagram Stories this week, she answered fan questions and defended the choice, calling it the easiest money she has made and saying tennis was not paused for the side venture. A representative for Vickery told People that the platform should not be considered sex work and that there is no full nudity or sexual acts involved. The rep noted she was off six months due to a major injury, and that the period away from the court coincided with the exploration of OnlyFans. The article also notes that Vickery’s comments came as she pursued a high-stakes playoff bid in New York and as media coverage questioned how athletes balance sport, brand, and personal decisions.

This episode tests how the crowd and sponsors view athletes who monetize personal life through platforms like OnlyFans. It spotlights a broader trend: players expanding income beyond prize money and sponsorships. The tension lies in labeling—whether this counts as a professional choice or a risky public relations move. The case also underscores how media framing can shape perceptions of athletes and their off-court ventures, potentially affecting future sponsorships and fan support. As more players experiment with their brands, teams and leagues may need clearer guidelines to navigate authenticity, privacy, and accountability.

Highlights

The line between sport and personal brand is thinning, and the next season will test how fans and sponsors tolerate it.