By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Friday July 20, 2023
After inspiring so much backlash for her actions during a controversial match against China’s Zhang Shuai, Hungary’s Amarissa Toth has apologized for her actions, and to the Chinese veteran.
For those not familiar with the situation, Toth was called out on social media by many WTA players for her behavior, when she celebrated her victory against Shuai, who retired after a bizarre incident that left her in tears. During said bizarre incident, Shuai challenged what she felt was an incorrect judgment of a ball mark by the umpire, and vehemently asked for the call to be overruled.
More: Zhang Controversy, and Teary Retirement, Draws Support from Peers
Toth seemed to take pleasure in brushing away the mark a few points later. Even if the call was already set in stone, her gesture was done to rile up Zhang, and it worked. The Chinese would retire from the match at the conclusion of the game, at which time Toth raised her arms in triumph.
Yesterday the tournament posted a message of apology from Toth.
“I did not think that my first WTA success would cause such a big storm, and I’m extremely sorry for what happened,” Toth said in a video posted on the tournament’s official Instagram account. “I respect Zhang Shuai as a person just as much as an athlete. It was never my intention to disrespect, upset, or hurt anyone—least of all Zhang Shuai.
“I do realize I should not have celebrated the way I celebrated after the match, and I’m sorry for that. I got caught up in my emotions and in the heat of the match, and I got caught up by the moment. I focused on tennis, and I didn’t want to win like that. I hope that, in the future, I will have the opportunity to sit down and talk with Zhang Shuai and tell how badly I feel that our match ended this way.
“I hope that Shuai Zhang feels better and that we will soon see her back because she’s an unbelievable player, very respectful and a great person. There is a lot to learn from her, and we should all stay respectful to each other no matter what.”
Zhang, a 34-year-old veteran has been struggling with personal issues and burnout of late. She is a well-loved player on tour amongst her peers, and Toth’s actions on that day did not sit well with them. They let her know on social media, and the 20-year-old let them know that she was listening.
A hard lesson, but one learned.