We’ve all experienced days at work when nothing goes our way, but what happens if you’re a professional athlete who takes it out on an innocent volunteer? You get called the hell out for it.
Russian tennis player Yulia Putintseva has found herself in hot water after an awkward exchange with a ball girl at the US Open in New York. Spectators watched the astonishing interaction as Yulia froze while the ball girl attempted to throw balls at her for her to catch, prompting boos from the crowd.
The shocking footage went viral on social media and caused a massive outcry online. One commenter said the shocking behaviour was “uncalled for” commending the ball girl for “handling herself with professionalism”.
Another commenter pointed out “you should never disrespect the volunteers or event organisers, " calling for Yulia to be fined.
Many tennis players have also come out to defend the ball girl, including former number one Boris Becker who called out Yulia for her “terrible behaviour”.
Former Australian tennis player Rennae Stubbs also criticised Yulia, saying “The disrespect and obnoxious behaviour here is unbelievable”.
The backlash prompted Yulia to post a story on Instagram where she said her actions were a result of “being really pissed at myself from the breakpoint” and that she “was not even focusing on what’s going on and who was giving me the ball”.
The tennis star lost the match to Italian Jasmine Paolini and has since been knocked out of the tournament. Talk about karma.
It costs $0 to be kind, and in the world of social media, you can always guarantee you’re going to be called out if you’re anything but that.
