In the match between Yulia Putintseva and Jasmine Paolini, the game witnessed an awkward moment between Putintseva and the ball girl. This incident took place during the third round and it attracted criticism on social media.
During this match at the Louis Armstrong Stadium, Putintseva motioned for the ball girl to toss the tennis balls to her. However, instead of catching the first two balls, she allowed them to bounce off the ground before finally catching the third and picking up the others. The ball girl appeared stunned by this sequence, while the crowd, sensing the disrespect in the moment, responded with boos directed at Putintseva.
Following the incident, Putintseva issued a public apology, acknowledging her actions and expressing regret over how the situation unfolded.
“I want to apologize to the ball girl for the way I was, when she was giving me balls. Honestly speaking it was not about her. I was really pissed at myself by not winning the game from the breakpoint and then got empty with my emotions and deep in my thoughts, that I was not even focusing on what’s going on and who gives me the ball… All the ball kids was doing amazing as always at the open. ”
This incident is a stark reminder of the importance of sportsmanship in tennis and all sports. Players are often viewed as role models, and their behavior on and off the court can significantly impact their young fans and aspiring players.
I hope that this serves as a learning opportunity not only for Putintseva but also for others in the competitive sports environment. Respect for everyone involved in the game from fellow competitors to ball girls and umpires is crucial for maintaining the spirit of sports.
