Yulia Putintseva has publicly apologized after facing backlash for her behavior towards a ball girl during her third-round match at the U.S. Open against Jasmine Paolini. The incident, which occurred on August 31, went viral on social media, showing Putintseva seemingly ignoring the ball girl as she tossed tennis balls in her direction.

The awkward moment drew boos from the crowd and criticism from notable figures, including six-time Grand Slam champion Boris Becker, who called her behavior "terrible."In her apology, Putintseva explained that she did not intend to humiliate anyone and was simply caught up in her thoughts after losing a tough match.

She expressed her regret in an Instagram post, stating, "It's kind of scary the way the world can judge someone from just a three-second video." She clarified that she was focused on the game and did not notice the ball girl at that moment.Putintseva acknowledged her frustration during the match, particularly after missing crucial break points, which contributed to her emotional state. She emphasized that her actions were not directed at the ball girl and expressed a desire to make amends.

The Kazakh player, known for her fiery temperament on the court, reiterated her respect for all ball kids, stating they do an amazing job.The incident has sparked discussions about sportsmanship and the treatment of ball kids, highlighting the pressures athletes face during high-stakes matches.