US Open Star Under Fire For ‘Disgusting’ Gesture That Was Captured On Live TV

Austria’s Anastasia Potapova shakes hands with Amanda Anisimova of the U.S. after winning her third round match. (Photo Via Imagn Images/ Reuters)

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Arnab Mondal | Last updated Sep 6, 2026 4:18 PM ET

Anastasia Potapova is getting enough hate from tennis fans after a gesture toward Amanda Anisimova following their US Open match on Saturday.

Potapova upset the American in straight sets, winning 6-2, 7-5 to reach the fourth round at Flushing Meadows. The 25-year-old celebrated with the crowd after the players shook hands at the net.

Right after, though, cameras caught Potapova seemingly waving a sarcastic goodbye in Anisimova’s direction. The clip spread like wildfire across social media, with fans blasting the move as completely disrespectful and unsportsmanlike.

Anisimova brushed right past her and headed straight off the court as the drama got online.

The apparent goodbye wave became the main talking point after the match, with fans questioning Potapova’s sportsmanship.

One person wrote, “Tell me that Potapova didn’t just do what I think I saw her do, that would be a total lack of respect.”

Díganme que Potapova no acaba de hacer lo que pienso que la vi a hacer, sería una falta de respeto total

Another fan said, “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.”

I thought the same thing. 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. What do you think, @TennisTV? @TennisChannel @CoCoVandey @ChrisMcKendry @ESPNTennis @usopen #USOpen

A third person also questioned whether the behavior reflected a pattern, writing, “Is this behavior typical of Potapova? I understand the moment getting to you but don’t think there’s much excuse for this.”

Is this behavior typical of Potapova? I understand the moment getting to you but don't think there's much excuse for this

The defeat ended a frustrating match for Anisimova. She created plenty of chances but converted only three of her 16 break-point opportunities.

Potapova made better use of her chances. She converted six of eight break points and matched her best Grand Slam result by reaching the fourth round.

The Russian-born player now represents Austria and will next face No. 5 seed Mirra Andreeva, the French Open champion.

Anisimova entered the tournament after a strong run at the biggest events in recent seasons. She reached the finals at Wimbledon and the US Open in 2025, though Aryna Sabalenka beat her in the Flushing Meadows final.

She also reached the Australian Open quarterfinals. But Saturday’s loss marked another early exit, as she has now fallen in the third round at each of the last three majors this year.