Goa, Nov. 15 -- Aryna Sabalenka has apologised for her on-court outburst during her three-set defeat to Ukraine's Elina Svitolina at the WTA Finals in Indian Wells, admitting that she allowed her emotions to get the better of her after becoming frustrated with spectators.

The Belarusian, who lost 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 in Friday's (November 13) group-stage encounter, was visibly frustrated during the match. A video of the incident subsequently circulated widely on social media, appearing to show the former world No. 1 swearing during an emotional outburst.

Sabalenka addressed the incident on Saturday (November 14), explaining that her comments were not directed at Svitolina but at a section of spectators who had been celebrating her mistakes.

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