Russian-born tennis player Anastasia Potapova has publicly detailed a distressing experience on a United Airlines flight en route to the US Open, alleging mistreatment by a flight attendant. Potapova, currently ranked world No. 28 and competing as the 24th seed at the upcoming Grand Slam, took to social media to express her dissatisfaction with the service she claims to have received on a flight from Houston to New York.
Potapova Details Alleged Humiliating Flight Experience
The 25-year-old athlete, who has switched her sporting nationality to Austrian, stated that she felt compelled to speak out due to the severity of the incident. “I have never done anything like this before, but right now I simply cannot stay silent,” Potapova shared on her Instagram Story. She described the encounter as the “first time I have ever experienced this level of disrespect, rudeness, and, to some extent, discrimination” during her extensive international travels as a professional athlete.
Potapova specifically identified flight UA678 from Houston to New York and named the flight attendant involved as “Mary.” According to Potapova, the flight attendant allegedly “repeatedly seemed to go out of her way to cause problems” without justification. The tennis star further alleged that the attendant was rude not only to her personally but also in her interactions with Potapova’s dog. Potapova also claimed the flight attendant “repeatedly brought up my status and threatened to remove me from the flight because of it.”
“To me, flight attendants are supposed to be there to help passengers, not create problems for them,” Potapova emphasized. She concluded her social media post by urging United Airlines to investigate the matter thoroughly, stating, “no passenger — and no animal — deserves to be treated in such a humiliating and disrespectful way, especially by a member of the cabin crew.”
Support and Follow-Up from United Airlines
In addition to her own account, Potapova shared a photograph of the flight attendant in question. She also posted a response from a social media follower who claimed to have had a similar negative experience with the same individual, suggesting this was not an isolated incident. Potapova indicated that she was “in conversation” with United Airlines regarding the alleged mistreatment and expressed appreciation for the airline’s “quick reaction to OUR problem.”
Potapova’s participation in the US Open follows a period of recovery from a back injury that led to her withdrawal from the recent Monterrey Open. Despite this, she is set to compete as the 24th seed in the women’s singles draw at Flushing Meadows. Last year, she reached the second round of the US Open, where she was defeated by Mirra Andreeva. Her performance at the French Open earlier this year saw her defeat American player Coco Gauff, advancing to the fourth round. She also achieved a career-best result by reaching the semifinals of the Madrid Open as a lucky loser, ultimately falling to Marta Kostyuk.
Personal Life and Reflections
The article also touches upon Potapova’s personal life, including her previous marriage to fellow tennis player Alexander Shevchenko. The couple divorced after the 2024 US Open. In a 2025 interview, Potapova reflected on the end of her marriage, describing the decisions made as “shockingly big” and acknowledging the disappointment but also the necessity of moving forward. She expressed well wishes for Shevchenko’s career, recognizing his talent.
Potapova spoke about the mental strength she discovered during this period and the public’s curiosity surrounding her personal life. She explained that formalizing the divorce was a step towards finding personal freedom and ending persistent questions about her relationship status. “I think I needed to put an end to it, to end things officially, so I wouldn’t get those questions anymore. I think that was the last step I needed to finally set myself free,” she stated.
Looking Ahead to the US Open
As Potapova prepares for the US Open, the focus remains on her performance on the court. Her recent successes, including her strong showing at Roland Garros and the Madrid Open, indicate she is in good form. The incident on the flight, however, has added an unexpected layer to her journey to the prestigious New York tournament. The outcome of her discussions with United Airlines and any potential actions taken by the airline will be of interest to her followers and the wider tennis community.
The US Open, one of the four Grand Slam tournaments, is a significant event in the tennis calendar, attracting top players from around the globe. Potapova’s presence as a seeded player highlights her standing in the sport. Her ability to navigate both the pressures of professional tennis and personal challenges will be key as she competes in the latter half of the season.
