Anti-American Journalist Vanishes from Australian Open Following Valid Criticism: Timeline
In recent days, a controversy has erupted at the Australian Open involving alleged anti-American rhetoric from a freelance journalist. Owen Lewis, who has contributed to The Athletic, appears to have shifted focus from tennis to politics during his coverage in Melbourne.
Timeline of Events Surrounding Lewis’ Questions
Beginning on January 14, Lewis announced on Bluesky that he was in Melbourne to report on the tournament. His coverage, however, was overshadowed by his repeated questioning of American players regarding their feelings about representing the United States during Donald Trump’s presidency.
Notable Incidents
- January 21: Lewis allegedly questioned Coco Gauff about her experience representing the U.S. amidst political tensions. Gauff responded by emphasizing the need for peace.
- January 22: Lewis reportedly directed similar politically charged questions at several other American players, including Taylor Fritz and Amanda Anisimova. Anisimova notably expressed pride in representing the U.S., while most avoided controversy.
After Lewis’ questions garnered attention on social media, he has seemingly disappeared from the press center. He last published a story for The Athletic on January 22, after which he ceased activity on Bluesky.
Reactions and Media Responses
The media’s response to Lewis’s line of questioning was swift. OutKick reached out to multiple sources, including The Athletic and the New York Times, to verify the authenticity of Lewis’s questions and his presence at the tournament. However, no responses were forthcoming.
- American players, including Tommy Paul and Frances Tiafoe, did not receive similar questions during media conferences, focusing instead on tennis-related topics.
- Following an absence from release and a notable lack of communication from affiliated media, speculation has grown regarding Lewis’s future reporting.
As the Australian Open progresses, it remains to be seen whether Lewis will reemerge or if he will continue his silence amid growing scrutiny and criticism surrounding his questioning tactics. This incident highlights a concerning trend in sports journalism, where personal beliefs may overshadow the primary purpose of sports reporting.
