After review, this one was a fault.
Kiara Toth ignited a firestorm at the Hungarian Grand Prix this week with her antics in a first-round match against Zhang Shuai, erasing a contested ball mark as her opponent continued to seek clarification after the incident.
Toth also celebrated as Zhang retired from the match in tears with late in the opening set while reportedly experiencing a panic attack.
“I did not think that my first ever WTA main draw success of my career would cause such a storm,” Toth said in a statement uploaded to the tournament’s Facebook page after falling to Ukraine’s Kateryna Baindl, 6-3, 6-1, in the Round of 16 on Thursday.
“I am extremely sorry for what happened, I respect Zhang Shuai as a player and as a person. It was never my intention to disrespect, hurt or upset anybody, let alone Zhang Shuai.
“I do realize I shouldn’t have celebrated the way I celebrated after the match and I’m sorry for that. I was acting in the heat of the match and got caught up by my emotions and the moment. I focused on tennis, I didn’t want to win like that.”
The 20-year-old drew the ire of several WTA players following the incident.
Ajla Tomljanovic called it an “absolutely disgusting” move.
“Well that’s a quick way to lose respect from your peers. I’m actually shook by the level of disrespect from this girl,” fellow pro Ellen Perez tweeted on Wednesday. “If I see this girl tomorrow I will tell her how disgusted I am.”
Toth received no respite in defeat either, with Baindl offering Zhang — who has reportedly been dealing with mental health issues — support after her victory.
“I hope they can stay fair and Zhang Shuai feels better and hopefully she is getting better and we will soon see her back,” Baindl said. “She is an unbelievable player, very respectful and a great person. There is a lot to learn from her. We should all stay respectful to each other, doesn’t matter what.”
