“She threatened to remove me”: Anastasia Potapova exposes bizarre confrontation with flight attendant before US Open
WTAThursday, 27 August 2026 at 04:30
Anastasia Potapova's US Open journey got off to a nightmare start before the Austrian had even reached New York, with the world No. 25 publicly criticizing United Airlines after an incident involving a flight attendant and her dog. Potapova took to Instagram to detail her experience aboard a flight from Houston to New York, accusing a member of the cabin crew of repeatedly creating problems for her during the journey.
The 25-year-old was traveling to New York after withdrawing from the WTA 250 Monterrey Open because of a back injury. Her decision to make the trip was nevertheless a positive sign for her US Open participation, with the final Grand Slam of the season beginning on Tuesday.
Potapova said the incident took place on United Airlines flight UA678 and involved a flight attendant named Mary. According to the world No. 25, the crew member was rude toward both her and her dog and repeatedly referred to Potapova's status as a professional athlete while threatening to remove her from the flight.
The incident prompted Potapova to make an unusually strong public statement, saying she had never previously felt compelled to speak out about an airline experience despite regularly traveling around the world as a professional tennis player.
Potapova accuses flight attendant of ‘disrespect’ and ‘discrimination’
“I have never done anything like this before, but right now I simply cannot stay silent,” Potapova wrote on Instagram. “As a professional athlete, I travel extensively all over the world, but this is the first time I have ever experienced this level of disrespect, rudeness, and, to some extent, discrimination.”
Potapova said she believed flight attendants should help passengers rather than create additional problems for them.
“Today, on my flight from Houston to New York, flight UA678, I encountered a flight attendant who repeatedly seemed to go out of her way to cause problems for me for no apparent reason,” she continued. “She was extremely rude both to me personally and in the way she treated my dog.”
Read also
The Austrian also claimed the flight attendant repeatedly mentioned her professional status and threatened to remove her from the aircraft.
“She also repeatedly brought up my status and threatened to remove me from the flight because of it,” Potapova said.
Potapova ended her message by directly asking United Airlines to investigate what happened.
“Her name is Mary. I truly hope that your airline will look into this situation and take it seriously, because no passenger — and no animal — deserves to be treated in such a humiliating and disrespectful way, especially by a member of the cabin crew.”
Potapova later told her Instagram followers that she was in communication with United Airlines regarding the incident. Her account represents her version of the events, and the airline's response was not included in her initial public statement.
The episode comes at an important point in Potapova's season. She reached the Madrid Open semifinals earlier this year as a lucky loser, becoming the first player to reach that stage of a WTA 1000 event after entering through that route.
Now, after pulling out of Monterrey because of her back injury, Potapova is hoping the drama surrounding her journey to New York remains just that — a difficult trip before the tournament rather than a sign of another setback on court.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- …and Foseca ;)DaveyWavey25-08-2026
- All the men dropping like flies. Something’s gotta be done with the tournament calendar or many more players will be on the sidelines in the near future. Surprised Carlos is back as soon as he is. Get well soon Sinner, Draper, Fokina, Rune, etc. etc. etc……DaveyWavey25-08-2026
- I want Pegula to surprise as a one-slam wonder winning in New York. She would then jump over the other three ladies for a number one ranking! I’d put my money on the two American girlies, Jessica and Coco to win in New York. Rybakina cannot seem to perform under this kind of pressure and Sabalenka appears in an anger fog ATM.DaveyWavey24-08-2026
- Well said, Andy. I got sick of Nick carrying on and on and on about Sinner. He absolutely refused to look at the facts. Now look at him. Karma is real!!!Rapunzel23-08-2026
- The fact that ANDY RODDICK of all people has become the voice of “reason” is interesting. He’s absolutely correct about Kyrgios too. He’s become a tennis influencer who is a total hypocrite and bully! I agree with RODDICK 100%DaveyWavey23-08-2026
- Great article! Thiem was similar to Del Potro in that both men had won Grand Slams and injured wrists each stole their careers away. Sad really.DaveyWavey22-08-2026
- I’m not quite sure what’s happening with Sabalenka but she is horrible on court when she’s losing (which is a lot lately). If you cannot control your self at all once you start losing matches - especially at 28 - you need to see a therapist or take a break from the sport. Terrible attitude. This is what represents the women’s tennis tour? Yikes!DaveyWavey20-08-2026
- Love Halep’s post! Very pointed yet simple.DaveyWavey20-08-2026
- He’s such a hypocritical douche! I remember when Sinner was out for three months on his ban and Kyrgios made such disparaging comments towards him and how awful he was. He’s such a mess of a human being.DaveyWavey19-08-2026
- Help me understand this. Nick tests positive for cocaine and gets suspended but Marketa gets banned for four years?Rapunzel19-08-2026
Loading