Yulia Putintseva issues public apology to ball girl after ‘utterly disrespectful’ behavior

Amidst criticism from fans about her behavior toward a ball girl, Yulia Putintseva explained on her Instagram story why she did it so.

Yulia Putintseva issues public apology to ball girl after ‘utterly disrespectful’ behavior

Yulia Putintseva was criticized by fans because of her behavior toward a ball kid (Images via X, US Open)

Yulia Putintseva has been at the receiving end of fans’ criticism due to her behavior toward a ball girl at the US Open. Putintseva was locking horns with Jasmine Paolini when this incident happened on August 31 at Louis Armstrong Stadium. Amidst criticisms from fans, Putintseva took to Instagram to publicly apologize to the ball girl.

Putintseva had lost the first set and was disappointed with her game. When the ball girl started tossing the ball to Putintseva, the latter stood still in her place and looked on without catching the balls as they bounced off her. Finally, Putintseva picked up a ball and resumed the game.

YouTube video

Watch the video here:

FS Video

Following her elimination, she explained that as she was utterly disappointed with her game, it prompted such behavior from her, claiming that her mind went blank when she froze on the court. She also praised the ball kids of the US Open for their work.

I want to apologize to her for the way I was when she was giving me the balls. Honestly speaking it was not about her. I was really p***ed at myself by not winning the game from the breakpoint and then got (so) empty with my emotions and deep in my thoughts that I was not focusing on what's going on and who gives me the ball. All the ball kids were doing amazing as always at the US Open.
Yulia Putintseva wrote on her Instagram story 

Check it out here:

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Yulia Putintseva fails to reach back-to-back R4 at Grand Slams 

Had Yulia Putintseva won the match against Jasmine Paolini, she would have reached back-to-back fourth round of Grand Slams. At Wimbledon this season, she knocked out World No.1 Iga Swiatek in the third round in three sets but lost to Jelena Ostapenko in the next round. 

Yulia Putintseva
Yulia Putintseva (Image via X)

On the other hand, Paolini, who advanced to back-to-back Grand Slam finals at the French Open and Wimbledon this year, will face Karolina Muchova next. Paolini became just the second woman after Coco Gauff to reach the fourth round of every Grand Slam this season. 

Putintseva, who is currently World No. 32, has won just one title this season. She won the Birmingham Classic in June by beating Ajla Tomljanovic. In total, the 29-year-old has won three titles on the WTA Tour. Before arriving at Flushing Meadows, Putintseva withdrew from the Canadian Open and reached the fourth round of the Cincinnati Masters.

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