Ms Putintseva later apologized on Instagram
Kazakhstani Yulia Putintseva has found herself in trouble after a viral video showed her manhandling a ball girl during her US Open match against Jasmine Paolini. The 29-year-old tennis player’s behavior sparked widespread criticism and condemnation.
The incident occurred during the second set when Ms Putintseva, clearly frustrated with her performance, failed to acknowledge or respond to the ball girl’s attempts to pass her balls. The ball girl’s visible shock and the subsequent boos from the audience underscored the severity of Putintseva’s behavior.
Former world number one Boris Becker was among those who condemned Putintseva’s behavior, calling it “terrible.” While some argued that Putintseva may have been not paying attention due to her frustration or a conversation with someone in the stands, her actions were undeniably rude and disrespectful.
“What does Putintseva think she’s doing… Terrible behavior towards the ball girl!!!”, Becker wrote on X and posted a video of the moment.
Who does Putintseva think she is…
Horrible behavior towards the ball girl!!! https://t.co/Uz8gH7Rx0g— Boris Becker (@TheBorisBecker) 1 September 2024
Some said that Ms Putintseva appeared to be talking to someone in the stands and did not seem to notice the first and second balls thrown to her.
Ms Putintseva later apologized, admitting that her emotions got the better of her and that she did not intentionally attack the ball girl. However, the damage was already done and her actions are likely to have lasting consequences.
“I want to apologize to the ball girl for my behavior when she gave me balls,” Putintseva wrote in a now-expired post on her Instagram story. “Honestly, it wasn’t about her.”
“I was really mad at myself because I couldn’t win the match from the break point. Then I was so emotional and lost in thought that I didn’t even concentrate on what was going on and who was giving me the ball… All the ball players did a great job as always at the Open.”
