OMM Newsroom
Belarusian tennis player Aryna Sabalenka has apologized for using profane language during her match against Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina at the WTA Finals.
After a point in the third set, Sabalenka swore. In a statement on social media, she said the remark was not directed at Svitolina. A small group of spectators had reacted aggressively to her mistakes, she said, and she had been unable to control her emotions in the moment.
“I want to clarify one thing: the comment about my last match that has been widely discussed on social media was not directed at Elina. I was upset by a small group of spectators who reacted aggressively to my mistakes, and I responded in accordance with my emotions at that moment.
“Nevertheless, I should have handled my frustration differently. I apologize to everyone I offended. Elina played a great match, and I wish her the best for the rest of the tournament,” Sabalenka wrote.
Sabalenka lost to Svitolina in three sets. She finished third in her group and failed to qualify for the playoffs.
