The young professional tennis player emphasized that politics should stay out of sports.
Amanda Anisimova, who was born in New Jersey to Russian immigrant parents, is currently ranked fourth in the Women’s Tennis Association, following only Coco Gauff from the United States.
“I don’t think that matters,” she stated simply.
After her straight-set victory in Melbourne during the second round of the Australian Open, she faced the media.
Among the questions about her match performance were some peculiar inquiries regarding her feelings about representing America.
“I’ve been asking a lot of American players how it feels to play under the American flag right now, and I want to know how you feel,” a male reporter queried, his tone suggesting some underlying complexity.
Anisimova gracefully sidestepped the question, responding with pride, “I was born in America, so I’m always proud to represent my country. And it’s wonderful to see so many of us doing well, both on the women’s and men’s side.”
It was likely a nod to the current success of several American players, with three in the top six of the women’s rankings and many more in the top 30.
“I feel like we’re all doing a great job representing ourselves,” Anisimova added, promoting a sense of unity.
However, the reporter wasn’t quite finished.
“Um, I just wanted to clarify something,” he persisted. “Given everything that’s been happening in America over the past year, does that complicate your feelings at all?”
Anisimova seemed to find the follow-up unworthy of response.
“I don’t think it matters,” she chuckled, brushing it off.
Fans watching the press conference on YouTube largely rallied behind her. They noticed the final question was almost an echo of the first.
Another male reporter preambled with, “As you know, America is currently a, um, divided place. Do you find it difficult or distracting to play under the American flag at this time?”
Once again, Anisimova chose to ignore the query.
“I mean, I’m not going to change my nationality or represent another country. I was born there, so that’s just not something I think about,” she stated firmly.
Women’s tennis can get oddly political at times.
For instance, the WTA has chosen not to display the flags of players hailing from Russia. This rule affects both the world No. 1 player, Arina Sabalenka, and No. 7 Mila Andreeva. Meanwhile, several other Russian players in the top 50 also do not have their flag on their official profiles.
This doesn’t extend to the prominent Ukrainian players, who display their flags with pride.
American tennis player dismisses reporters seeking anti-Trump comments
The young professional tennis player emphasized that politics should stay out of sports.
Amanda Anisimova, who was born in New Jersey to Russian immigrant parents, is currently ranked fourth in the Women’s Tennis Association, following only Coco Gauff from the United States.
“I don’t think that matters,” she stated simply.
After her straight-set victory in Melbourne during the second round of the Australian Open, she faced the media.
Among the questions about her match performance were some peculiar inquiries regarding her feelings about representing America.
“I’ve been asking a lot of American players how it feels to play under the American flag right now, and I want to know how you feel,” a male reporter queried, his tone suggesting some underlying complexity.
Anisimova gracefully sidestepped the question, responding with pride, “I was born in America, so I’m always proud to represent my country. And it’s wonderful to see so many of us doing well, both on the women’s and men’s side.”
It was likely a nod to the current success of several American players, with three in the top six of the women’s rankings and many more in the top 30.
“I feel like we’re all doing a great job representing ourselves,” Anisimova added, promoting a sense of unity.
However, the reporter wasn’t quite finished.
“Um, I just wanted to clarify something,” he persisted. “Given everything that’s been happening in America over the past year, does that complicate your feelings at all?”
Anisimova seemed to find the follow-up unworthy of response.
“I don’t think it matters,” she chuckled, brushing it off.
Fans watching the press conference on YouTube largely rallied behind her. They noticed the final question was almost an echo of the first.
Another male reporter preambled with, “As you know, America is currently a, um, divided place. Do you find it difficult or distracting to play under the American flag at this time?”
Once again, Anisimova chose to ignore the query.
“I mean, I’m not going to change my nationality or represent another country. I was born there, so that’s just not something I think about,” she stated firmly.
Women’s tennis can get oddly political at times.
For instance, the WTA has chosen not to display the flags of players hailing from Russia. This rule affects both the world No. 1 player, Arina Sabalenka, and No. 7 Mila Andreeva. Meanwhile, several other Russian players in the top 50 also do not have their flag on their official profiles.
This doesn’t extend to the prominent Ukrainian players, who display their flags with pride.
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