On the morning of January 5, 2026, the live interview program on ABC News Australia – one of the sports programs with the largest audience in the country – became the focus of global attention because of an unprecedented moment in the history of sports television.

Host Patricia Karvelas, a familiar face with a sharp style and often asking “heavyweight” questions, invited Alex de Minaur – currently No.

1 Australian tennis player, ranked 8th in the world – to participate in a live chat to discuss the upcoming 2026 season, as well as the role of athletes in social issues.

Everything started off quite normally. Patricia asked about Alex’s achievements at the Australian Open 2025 (quarterfinals), about plans to prepare for Melbourne Park this year, and about relationships with colleagues like Jannik Sinner or Carlos Alcaraz.

Alex answered politely and humbly as usual – gentle smile, warm voice.

But then Patricia changed to a more sensitive topic: “Alex, recently many young athletes have publicly supported the LGBT community, even participating in Pride campaigns.

What do you think about sports stars using their voices to promote equality and diversity? Do you plan to participate?”

The question seems to have hit a limit. Alex de Minaur was silent for a few seconds, then suddenly stood up from his chair, pointed straight at Patricia and shouted loudly:

“SILENCE! YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND ME AND YOU HAVE NO AUTHORITY TO ORDER ME!”

His voice echoed like thunder, shaking the whole studio. Patricia Karvelas – who always maintained her confidence – immediately turned pale, her hand holding the microphone trembling.

The entire crew and audience in the studio fell into dead silence for 10 long seconds.

Alex continued, his voice still loud but calmer, each word clear:

“If sport is dragged into politics or social controversy, including LGBT issues, I will choose to retire.

I want sports to stay true to its true nature – a fair playing field, where people only judge each other on talent and effort, not influenced by any trends or cultural pressures.

I respect everyone, but I don’t accept being forced to take a side just because I’m famous.”

The whole studio seemed to hold its breath. Patricia tried to interject: “Alex, I’m just asking for your opinion, I don’t mean to force you…” But Alex interrupted immediately:

“No, you’re forcing. You’re using your hosting position to demand that I take a public stance on an issue that I’ve never spoken about.

And if you want to know the truth, I’ll tell you: I’ve witnessed a number of colleagues being boycotted and losing sponsorship contracts simply because they refused to participate in campaigns they disagreed with.

That’s pressure, not freedom.”

Then, in the most shocking moment, Alex lowered his voice but still looked straight at the camera:

“And I know a secret you don’t want anyone to know, Patricia.

I know you once participated in a covert funding campaign for a controversial organization, and you asked a number of young athletes to sign it in exchange for media support. I have proof.

If you want, I will make it public right now.”

At this time, the studio was in complete chaos. The director signaled an emergency cutoff. The screen switched to a commercial, but it was too late – millions of live viewers had recorded the moment on their phones.

Within just 5 minutes, the clip spread across social networks at breakneck speed.

Reaction from the tennis community and public opinion The ATP Tour quickly issued a statement: “We respect the athletes’ right to freedom of speech and do not comment on personal statements.” Nick Kyrgios – Alex’s compatriot – posted on X: “Alex is right.

Sports is for playing football, not for politics. Respect bro.” Jannik Sinner (Alex’s close friend) only posted a fist and heart emoji.

A part of LGBT supporters criticized Alex for being “insensitive”, but the majority of the Australian and international tennis community supported his stance: “Thank you Alex for daring to speak the truth.” After the incident

Alex de Minaur left the studio immediately without saying another word. He posted a short status on Instagram: “I love sports and I love this country. I just want to play tennis without being forced to choose sides.

Thank you to those who understand me.”

Currently, he is still training normally in Sydney to prepare for the 2026 Australian Open. There is no information about him being fined or boycotted by sponsors.

This incident was not only an explosive moment on television, but also a strong declaration from one of the world’s top young tennis players: sports should be a place of talent, not a battlefield of politics or culture.

And perhaps, after all, Alex de Minaur was right when he said: “SILENCE!” – silence, because some questions are not worth asking.

This incident was not only an explosive moment on television, but also a strong declaration from one of the world’s top young tennis players: sports should be a place of talent, not a battlefield of politics or culture.

And perhaps, after all, Alex de Minaur was right when he said: “SILENCE!” – silence, because some questions are not worth asking.