Anastasia Potapova has drawn criticism for perceived unsportsmanlike conduct during her third-round victory at the US Open on Saturday. The Russian-born player, who now represents Austria, defeated American Amanda Anisimova in straight sets to advance to the fourth round.
Following the handshake at the net and her celebration with the crowd, Potapova was captured on camera appearing to make a sarcastic waving gesture in Anisimova's direction. Social media users widely interpreted the action as disrespectful, with comments suggesting it was a "total lack of respect" and "rudely waving and saying 'bye bye'."
The match concluded a difficult day for Anisimova, who struggled with her break-point conversion, capitalizing on only three of 16 opportunities in a 6-2, 7-5 loss. Potapova, 25, secured her victory by converting six of eight break points.
Potapova's win marks her best Grand Slam performance to date. She is scheduled to play No. 5 seed Mirra Andreeva, the reigning French Open champion, in the next round.
Anisimova, a finalist at both Wimbledon and the US Open in 2025, has faced early exits in the last three major tournaments this year, following her quarterfinal appearance at the Australian Open. She was eliminated in the third round of the US Open.