Amanda Anisimova recently heaped praise on Aryna Sabalenka for shedding light on the “goofy” side of tennis. The American made the comments following a question, asked during an Australian Open press conference, on her Titok video with Sabalenka and Paula Badosa.
The episode, however, drew disparate response, with a certain section questioning the relevance of the question and even tone of Anisimova’s response.
A social media user viewed it as WTA’s attempt to “clean” Sabalenka’s image, saying reporters were being led to ask such questions in order to elicit responses that paint the World No. 1 in a certain color.
“who is asking these questions? is the WTA trying to clean Sabalenka’s image now? Or is it her team doing this? very suspect,” wrote an X user.
Another user went a step further, describing Anisimova’s praise for Sabalenka as “casual shade” on former World No. 1 Iga Swiatek. Some others on X agreed, saying the American’s comments were her way of picking favorites for the top spot.
“the casual iga shade is just crazy,” wrote a social media user.
“…she’s just saying “aryna sabalenka, who i beat many times at slams and could never double bagel me, is my preferred world number 1,” wrote another user.
In a more neutral reaction to the presser, an X user conceded that while they were a Sabalenka fan, questions about the World No. 1’s off-court activities made very little sense in another player’s media interactions.
“This is cool and all and I love aryna but why are they asking players about aryna? they even asked andreeva seems awkward lol,” an X user wrote.
Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Amanda Anisimova make winning starts to Australian Open
On the professional front, Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek and Amanda Anisimova all made winning starts to their 2026 Australian Open campaigns. The season’s opening Grand Slam wrapped up first-round action on Tuesday.
Sabalenka, who is eyeing a third title at Melbourne Park, was tested early on by French youngster Tiantsoa Sarah Rakotomanga Rajaonah. She, however, grew into the contest and came through 6-4, 6-1.
Swiatek and Anisimova also overcame a stiff challenges from Yue Yuan and Simona Waltert, respectively, winning their matches in two tight sets each.
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