Anastasia Potapova has addressed her viral US Open moment.
Upon defeating Amanada Anisimova in the third round 6-2, 7-5, the Russian Austrian went viral for what some perceived as a sarcastic wave to Anisimova before she left Louis Armstrong Stadium on Saturday.
Many fans took it as a disrepectful gesture towards Anisimova, but Potapova cleared the air.
“I see so many questions about my bye wave after the match,” Potapova wrote on her Instagram story. “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.”
At the time of the wave, Anisimova walked past Potapova off the court.
The gesture caused fans to give Potapova a piece of their mind on social media.
“Tell me that Potapova didn’t just do what I think I saw her do, that would be a total lack of respect,” someone commented on social media per Daily Mail.
“I’ve rewatched it a few times and can’t imagine it being anything other than Potapova rudely waving and saying ‘bye bye’ to Anisimova,” another said.
However, the majority strongly disagreed, assuming she was waving to her team.
“It’s clearly not directed at Amanda. We’re not stupid. 😒” a user wrote on X.
“It’s clear as day that she’s doing it to someone else, because the moment she does it, Anisimova is already passing by her side and Anastasia looks toward the stands. Don’t stir up controversy where there isn’t any…” another added.
“Waving to her team. Grow up,” a third said.
Potapova, who was born in Russia but represents Austria, moved on to the fourth round and faced off against recent Roland Garros champion Mirra Andreeva on Monday.
The 25-year-old is the world No. 24 player at the Open. If Potapova punches a ticket to the quarterfinals, it will be her career-best achievement in a Grand Slam. She would face either world No. 4 Coco Gauff or 18-year-old phenom Iva Jovic.
She also made it to the fourth round at Roland Garros in May.
