Haters gonna hate: Austrian tennis star responds to Amanda Anisimova ‘bye’ backlash
Anastasia Potapova has hit back at criticism over a gesture she made after defeating Amanda Anisimova in the third round of the US Open, insisting that her wave was not directed at her opponent. Potapova, the No. 24 seed, beat the American 6-2, 7-5 on Saturday to reach the fourth round in New York for the first time.
The Austrian appeared to wave towards Anisimova as she celebrated her victory, prompting some fans on social media to interpret the gesture as a dismissive “bye-bye” aimed at the American. The moment quickly became a talking point despite Potapova producing one of the biggest wins of her US Open campaign.
Addressing the criticism on Instagram, Potapova made it clear that the gesture had nothing to do with Anisimova.
“I see sooo many questions about my bye wave after the match. You just wanna make a circus out of everything. I waved to my friend, who’s been sitting there and supporting me. Just be easier guys, but I guess haters gonna hate,” Potapova wrote.
The 25-year-old had plenty to celebrate after producing a composed performance against the 10th-seeded Anisimova. She broke the American early in the opening set and raced to a 6-2 lead, while Anisimova struggled to find consistency from the baseline.
The second set was considerably closer, with Anisimova twice taking the lead after breaks of serve. But Potapova responded on both occasions and eventually broke again late in the set before serving out the match. She saved 13 of 16 break points and benefited from 46 unforced errors from Anisimova.
POTAPOVA SETS UP ROUND-OF-16 CLASH WITH ANDREEVA
Potapova’s reward is a last-16 meeting with fellow Russian Mirra Andreeva, who defeated Czech teenager Nikola Bartunkova 6-2, 7-6(5). Andreeva, the No. 5 seed, is also reaching the fourth round at Flushing Meadows for the first time.
The victory over Anisimova also marked a significant milestone for Potapova. She had been close to slipping outside the world’s top 100 earlier this year but has enjoyed a resurgence, including reaching the Linz final and Madrid semi-finals.
For Anisimova, meanwhile, the defeat ends another frustrating US Open campaign. The American was the runner-up in New York last year and had entered this year’s tournament as the 10th seed. Her loss to Potapova also means she will drop out of the world’s top 10.
With the social-media controversy now addressed, Potapova will hope her tennis remains the focus as she looks to extend her best-ever US Open run against Andreeva.
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