Aryna Sabalenka has issued an apology over a viral outburst during her loss to Elina Svitolina at Indian Wells, firmly denying allegations that she insulted the Ukrainian star.
A widely shared clip from the WTA Finals clash captured Sabalenka swearing during play. Despite the lack of audio, social media users speculated through lip-reading that she had directed Russian insults at Svitolina or Ukrainians, though interpretations varied and remain unverified.
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Taking to Instagram on Saturday, Sabalenka explained that she lost her cool with spectators celebrating her unforced errors.
“I want to clarify something from my recent match that has been circulating online. My comment was not directed at Elina.
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” I was frustrated with a small group of spectators who were aggressively cheering my mistakes, and I reacted emotionally in the moment,” she stated.
“That said, I should have handled my frustration differently, and I apologise to anyone I offended. Elina played a great match, and I wish her all the best for the rest of the tournament.”
