Sobolenko apologises for profanity, clarifying words were not directed at Svitolina

Explanation from the Belarusian athlete

Aryna Sobolenko published a statement in Instagram Stories, where she commented on her emotional state after the recent match. The tennis player emphasised that her profane comment was not directed at Elina Svitolina. According to Sobolenko, the reaction was triggered by the behaviour of a "small group of spectators" who, in her opinion, "applauded aggressively" her mistakes during the game.

Private apologies and wishes

In her post, the Belarusian athlete acknowledged that she should have been more restrained and better controlled her emotions. She also expressed hope for Svitolina's success in the subsequent matches of the WTA tournament.

Context of the incident

Previously, fans and media outlets noted that Sobolenko uttered a profane phrase during the decisive match of the group stage of the WTA Finals. From the tennis player's lip movements, it was visible that she said in Russian: "Ці й****і с*ки українці, н***й!" ("These f***ing Ukrainian f***ers, f*** off!") or "Ця й****а українська ш***а, н***й!" ("This Ukrainian f***ing b***h, f*** off!").