Anastasia Potapova’s US Open Wave Sparks Online Debate

World No. 25 Anastasia Potapova defeated Amanda Anisimova 6-2, 7-5 in the third round of the US Open, advancing to the fourth round at Louis Armstrong Stadium in New York. The win marked Potapova’s third triumph over a Top-10 opponent this season, joining earlier victories over Coco Gauff and Elena Rybakina. As Anisimova left the court, Potapova raised her hand in a wave that many fans interpreted as a mocking farewell. Social-media users quickly labeled the gesture “disgusting,” and the clip spread widely, eclipsing discussion of the match itself.

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Potapova addressed the backlash on her Instagram Story, explaining that the wave was directed toward a friend seated in the stands, not at her opponent.

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In a separate incident, Potapova alleged that a United Airlines flight attendant named Mary behaved rudely toward her and her dog during a Houston-to-New York flight (UA 678). She posted the attendant’s name and photograph online and urged the airline to investigate. Potapova later confirmed that United Airlines had reached out to her and that discussions were ongoing, though no public resolution has been announced.

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Potapova’s next match pits her against 2026 French Open champion Mirra Andreeva, who advanced by defeating Nikola Bartunkova 6-2, 7-6(5). Potapova emphasized that she must refocus on tennis after the wave controversy and the airline dispute.

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• “I see so many questions about my bye wave after the match. You just wanna make circus out of everything. I waved to my friend, who has been sitting there and supporting me. Just be easy guys, but I guess haters gonna hate,” — Anastasia Potapova

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