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American tennis star Amanda Anisimova has criticized a reporter at the Australian Open for asking “clickbait” questions about the representation of the United States under the Trump administration, saying it was her “right” not to speak out on political issues.
Speaking to reporters after her fourth-round victory over Wang
Amanda Anisimova of the United States is congratulated by Katerina Siniakova, right, of the Czech Republic after their second round match at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara)
“I feel like the Internet is — it’s hard. It comes with the job, and it’s something I’ve learned to get used to,” she said, adding that there are days “where it kind of bothers me a little bit.”
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Anisimova, a finalist at the 2025 US Open and Wimbledon, then addressed the incident involving the reporter, who OutKick reported was freelance journalist Owen Lewis.
“At my other press conference, the fact that I didn’t want to answer a question that was obviously intended as a headline and clickbait, that was my right. It had nothing to do with my political views or anything like that.”
Anisimova was first asked at an earlier press conference what it felt like to be “playing under the American flag right now.”
“I was born in America, so I’m always proud to represent my country,” the New Jersey native said. “A lot of us are doing really well, and it’s great to see a lot of great athletes on both the women’s and men’s side. I feel like we’re all doing a great job representing ourselves.”
Amanda Anisimova of the United States in action against Simona Waltert of Switzerland in the first round on day two of the 2026 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 19, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. (Robert Prange/Getty Images)
TENNIS STAR AMANDA ANISIMOVA REJECTS JOURNALIST’S CYNICAL QUESTION ABOUT US: “I DON’T THINK IT’S RELEVANT”
But the reporter then clarified his question by asking “in the context of last year, with everything that happened in the United States, does that complicate that feeling?”
Anisimova replied: “I don’t think it’s relevant.”
Speaking to reporters on Monday, she said it was a mistake for fans to assume her politics based on this response, saying: “The fact that people assume they know my position on certain important issues is just wrong. It’s not factual. It’s difficult, but I’ve learned to get used to it.”
Amanda Anisimova reacts after defeating Naomi Osaka in the women’s singles semi-finals of the US Open tennis championships in Flushing Meadows, New York on September 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
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Many social media users, including former American tennis stars John Isner and Tennys Sandgren, came to his defense and criticized the journalist’s questions, posed to other American tennis players, including Taylor Fritz.
