Australian Open Star Refuses To Answer ‘Unprofessional’ Donald Trump Question

A player at the Australian Open refused to answer a reporter's question about Donald Trump.

It was quarter-final day on Tuesday in Melbourne as the 2026 Australian Open edges closer to the business end.

In the women's draw, world number one Aryna Sabalenka cruised through to the next round after thrashing Iva Jovic 6-3, 6-0.

Standing in her way in the semi-final will be Elina Svitolina, who dispatched Coco Gauff 6-1, 6-2.

Meanwhile, in the men's singles, Carlos Alcaraz sealed his place in the semi-final after beating home favourite Alex de Minaur 7-5, 6-2, 6-1. The Spaniard will now take on Alexander Zverev in the last four.

The German came through a four-set battle against young American star Learner Tien, winning 6-3, 6-7 (5-7), 6-1, 7-6 (7-3).

After the match, Tien, 20, opted not to answer a reporter's question after being quizzed on President Trump and ICE.

The reporter asked: "It's been a big day for both you and Iva Jovic, who are the future of American tennis. It is also interesting that you're both second-generation immigrants in the US.

"In the context of everything that’s happening with Trump and ICE, what does your heritage mean to you? And how important are immigrants to America and American sports today?"

Taken slightly aback by the question, Tien said: "Erm, sorry, I don’t really want to talk about that right now."

Reacting on social media, one fan said: "Good for Learner. It’s an inappropriate line of questioning at a post-match press session. It’s baiting. Ask him about the match."

Another tweeted: "The Australian Open needs to stop this line of questioning from reporters. It’s unprofessional. Stick to sports."

A third fan added: "What kind of question is this?"

Learner Tien was asked what his heritage means to him, in the context of what’s happening with Trump and ICE

“In the context of everything that’s happening with Trump and ICE, what does your heritage mean to you? And how important are immigrants to America in American sport… pic.twitter.com/5bpNnJoXY5

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 27, 2026

Earlier in the tournament, Tien's fellow American, Taylor Fritz, was also asked a question relating to Trump.

The reporter asked: "There's a lot happening back home in the US, and has been for the lot of the last year. I'm just kind of wondering how you're feeling about all of it?"

It was claimed that Fritz looked 'uncomfortable' before replying: "I mean, I'm not sure what we're specifically talking about. But there is a lot going on in the US.

"And I don't know, I feel like whatever I say here is going to get put in a headline, and it's gonna get taken out of context. So I'd really rather not do something that's going to cause a big distraction for me in the middle of the tournament."