US Open star issues second apology over ball girl incident and on-court tantrum
Yulia Putintseva has publicly apologised for a second time after causing a stir at the US Open.
Yulia Putintseva has publicly apologised for a second time after taking her frustration out on a ball girl at the US Open. The 29-year-old has faced a significant backlash as a result of her unpleasant behaviour during her match against Jasmine Paolini last Friday.
In a video which has since gone viral, Putintseva responded to a lost point by staring down and ignoring the balls offered by the ball girl. She let balls bounce off her in contempt before eventually taking one, sparking audible groans from spectators.
The likes of Boris Becker and Piers Morgan condemned Putintseva's strange behaviour, prompting her to issue an apology. She explained that she meant no disrespect and was not focused on the balls being offered to her in the heat of the moment.
@PutintsevaYulia being a grownup today when losing to @JasminePaolini at @usopen. @TheTennisLetter @andyroddick @BenRothenberg @josemorgado pic.twitter.com/Ythdc8cbYV
— Meredith Thompson (@MerThomp) August 31, 2024
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Putintseva has since released a second apology, taking to Instagram to double down on her excuse that she did not notice what was happening. She also said it was 'scary' that people were basing their judgement on a short clip without knowing the full story.
She wrote: "It's kind of scary the way world can judge someone from just a three second video, that someone posts from one side, without seeing the rest on what was really happening.
"I was just playing tennis and lost a tough game, which was very close (in my opinion) to turn that match around. After the game I got very much disappointed and was almost crying that I didn't do better.
"At this time the girl was giving me the ball, which i didn't even notice or so, because I was deep in my thoughts. I was not trying to humiliate her (or anyone) by not taking this ball that she was given to me.
Don't miss...
Novak Djokovic dealt crushing blow as US Open exit could see nightmare come true [NEWS]
Jack Draper pulls Tim Henman's chain live on Sky Sports in amusing US Open chat [LATEST]
Jannik Sinner lifts lid on private texts with Jack Draper ahead of US Open clash [INSIGHT]
"I didn't do anything disrespectful to anyone at this particular moment. I do apologise if this girl thinks that it was something towards her. I can't say that I am perfect all my career.
"I am getting angry on court, p****d, saying stupid stuff and curse like no tomorrow sometimes. Guilty of that. But I did never put myself 'on top' of someone. That's just not me at all."
Putintseva added that she was in contact with the ball girl to 'make something special' for her as an apology for her behaviour on the court.
"Hope you guys can see it now from the different angle now," she continued. "I mean, I know that haters gonna hate and this message is getting way too long, so I am going to stop right here.
"And last thing, since [the ball girl] is already involved in this mess, I am trying to make something special for her."