Amanda Anisimova Clarifies Why She Shut Down ‘Clickbait’ US Political Question at Australian Open: “That Was My Right”
Amanda Anisimova trails 0-3 in the head-to-head matchups against her quarterfinal opponent, Jessica Pegula.
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Amanda Anisimova (Image via X/The Tennis Letter)
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Amanda Anisimova will be playing her career’s first Australian Open quarterfinal. On Monday (January 26), she knocked out Chinese ace Wang Xinyu in straight sets to progress to a Grand Slam quarterfinal for the fifth time in her career.
Later, in the press conference, Anisimova shared why she chose not to answer a political question in one of the press conferences. One reporter had asked Anisimova how she feels about playing under the American flag, to which she said she is “always proud to represent” her country.
The reporter clarified what he meant, asking her whether the political scenario in the US complicated her feelings at all. Anisimova’s answer was, “I don’t think that’s relevant.”
The American ace was asked about a deleted tweet by a reporter after her fourth-round match, to which the two-time Grand Slam finalist admitted that online criticism bothers her.
I feel like the Internet…it’s tough. It comes with the job, which is something I’ve learned to get used to. There are definitely days where it bothers me a little bit, and I tell myself it’s okay to get upset or frustrated, because at the end of the day, I’m human. But yeah, I mean, it can be pretty difficult. It’s not worth so much of my energy and time. That’s something that I’ve learned to get used to.
Anisimova was not the only American player asked about US politics. Coco Gauff, Madison Keys, and Taylor Fritz were also questioned about their stance.
In my other press conference…I didn’t want to answer a question that was obviously intended for just, like, a headline and clickbait. That was my right. It had nothing to do with my political views or anything like that. The fact that people assume they know my stance on certain important topics is just wrong, and it’s not factual.
Amanda Anisimova added
Anisimova was also accused of hitting a ball kid with a ball during a match. The now-deleted tweet was in response to this incident.
Amanda Anisimova will meet Jessica Pegula next
Although topics unrelated to tennis bothered Amanda Anisimova, on the court, she has produced strong performances as she has yet to lose a set. But now she is gearing up for a challenge in the form of Jessica Pegula, against whom Anisimova trails 0-3 in the head-to-head matchups.
Yeah, I mean, we’ve always had some great matches. It’s funny enough, I played her twice in the exhibitions in the pre-season. But yeah, I mean, she’s such a great player. I really like her game. I’m sure it’s going to be a tough battle again.
Amanda Anisimova said at the press conference
Pegula was the reason for defending champion Madison Keys’ exit. The 2024 US Open finalist will be playing in the last eight in Melbourne for the fourth time. Last year, she suffered a third-round exit, while Anisimova lost in the second round.
Anisimova played two back-to-back Grand Slam finals last year. After suffering a humiliating 6-0, 6-0 defeat at the hands of Iga Swiatek in the Wimbledon final, Anisimova was denied the home Slam, the US Open, by Aryna Sabalenka, who defended her crown.
Both Anisimova and Pegula won multiple titles in the 2025 season. The former reached five finals, winning two WTA 1000 titles in Doha and Beijing by defeating Jelena Ostapenko and Linda Noskova, respectively.
Pegula made six finals, winning three titles: the ATX Open, Charleston Open, and the Bad Homburg Open, by defeating McCartney Kessler, Sofia Kenin, and Swiatek, respectively. She made two WTA 1000 finals, in Miami (lost to Sabalenka) and Wuhan (lost to Coco Gauff).
Also read: (Video) Jelena Ostapenko Furiously Hits the Ball at her Australian Open Opponent in a Tense Moment
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