Amarissa Toth claims it was ‘never her intention to disrespect’ Zhang Shaui, as the Hungarian tennis player apologies for her controversial actions that led to her opponent’s panic attack

Hungarian tennis player Amarissa Toth has apologized for her actions at the Budapest Open after being accused of a string of “disgusting” actions in her victory over China’s Zhang Shuai.

Toth saw her run at the tournament come to an end on Thursday after a 6-3, 6-1 straight sets loss to Ukraine’s Kateryna Baindl in the round of 16.

The local player gave a video statement after her departure on the Budapest Open social media pages, where she apologized for her actions.

“I didn’t think my first ever WTA main draw in my career would create such a storm,” said Toth.

“I am very sorry about what happened, I respect Zhang Shuai as a player and as a person.

“It was never my intention to disrespect, hurt or upset anyone, let alone Zhang Shuai.

“I realize I shouldn’t have celebrated the way I did after the game and I’m sorry.

“I acted in the heat of the game and got caught up in my emotions and the moment. I focused on tennis, I didn’t want to win like that.

“I hope in the future I will have a chance to talk to Zhang Shaui and tell her how sorry I am that our match ended this way.”

Toth’s comments followed after Zhang left the court in tears after their match, leading to the 20-year-old being charged with “a new low for sportsmanship.”

The veteran Chinese player had hit a crosscourt forehand that appeared to land on the line, but was called out by the linesman, leaving Zhang indignant at the decision and demanding to speak to the tournament director.

Zhang argued with the referee for minutes over the controversial call as she was mocked and laughed at while Toth appeared to be laughing. The Hungarian then walked to the goal left behind by the ball being called and used her shoe to obliterate it.

Zhang shouted from her side of the net, “Wait, wait, wait, keep the goal! What are you doing? Why would you do that?’

Toth responded by saying, “Because you’re causing trouble, that’s why.”

Zhang went on to win the match, but she looked visibly stressed during the switch.

A physio was called in to check on her before the world number 28 chose to retire while trailing 6-5 in the opening set of their Budapest match.

TV commentators explained that Zhang cried a “flood of tears,” with one calling the episode a “panic attack.”

The 34-year-old then quickly shook hands with the referee and Toth as she made her premature exit, before pointing to sections of the crowd who had booed her.

Zhang later took to social media to complain about the call and thanked those who supported her.

“All attempts to practice were wrong because if you wanted to hit closer to the line, you would even hit the line OUT,” Zhang wrote.

Toth’s behavior during the match was described by fans and players as ’embarrassing’ and a ‘new low for sportsmanship’.

The Hungarian had initially denied that her behavior was inappropriate, but has since chosen to apologize.

Baindl, who beat Toth to advance to the quarterfinals, had discussed the controversy during her court interview on Thursday.

“I just want to say I hope they can keep it fair and Shuai Zhang is feeling better and hopefully things will get better and we’ll see her again soon,” Baindl said.

“She’s an incredible player, very respectful and a great person.

“There is a lot to learn from her.

“I think we should all remain respectful of each other, no matter what.”

The controversy had further escalated into a racial squabble after tournament organizers accused China of ‘manipulating’ images to make young homegrown Toth look bad.