Tennis official apologizes for comments

LONDON, June 28 (UPI) -- U.S. tennis official Justin Gimelstob says he is sorry for making sexist comments about female tennis players.

The Association of Tennis Professionals director issued an apology for making derogatory comments about Anna Kournikova and for focusing on the physical attributes of other female tennis stars, the Daily Mail reported Saturday.

"There is no excuse and I am extremely disappointed in myself," Gimelstob said. "I take full responsibility for all the words that came out of my mouth, and, while I can't take any of them back, I hope my heartfelt remorse can begin to heal the wounds felt by many."

Gimelstob, who was suspended by the association for one match without pay for his comments, had used a recent radio interview to discuss the attractiveness and sexuality of many current female tennis stars.

"That's because they're all Russian chicks," he said regarding his claim that fewer lesbians play tennis now than in previous years. "And there's some other cute ones out there."

The British newspaper said an association spokesman has condemned Gimelstob's comments, but credited the U.S. tour director for accepting responsibility for his misdeeds.