Spanish player and World No. 15, Paula Badosa, who is set to compete in the Wuhan Open, was in the eye of the storm after a controversial picture of her making a gesture considered racist towards Asian people caught the attention of tennis fans on social media.
The photo was part of a compilation of images from the WTA Beijing 2024, in which Badosa lost in the semifinals against eventual winner Coco Gauff, posted by her coach Pol Toledo on Instagram. In it, Badosa is seen with chopsticks and extending her eyes, which has been interpreted as a mockery of Asians features.
After fans took notice, Badosa first apologized on an Instagram comment, writing: “Oh no please don’t get it that way. Never thought it would get interpreted this way. We weren’t even imitating Asian people. I was playing around with my face and wrinkles. I love Asia, one of my favorite people and have plenty of Asian friends. They are the kindest.”
However, this explanation wasn’t enough for fans. On X, one user accused her of “lying through her teeth” and Badosa took the opportunity to make another apology. “I didn’t know this was offensive or could be considered racist, I’m very sorry. I take full responsibility, it was a mistake,” she wrote.
Badosa concluded, “These errors will help me learn for the future. I hope you understand… I love you all.” While some fans have responded positively to her apology, others aren’t satisfied with it. Either way, Badosa will have to leave the controversy behind ahead of her upcoming Round of 64 match against Ajla Tomlijanovic.
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Badosa starts Wuhan Open against Tomlijanovic
After her successful run in Beijing, Badosa wants to triumph in Wuhan. The Spaniard was struggling with her chronic back injury in the first few months of the season, but she has come back stronger than ever in the final stretch of the season.
Her first test in Wuhan will be against Australian Ajla Tomljanovic, who is also a talented player herself. She is also coming from a successful run, after clinching a WTA 125 in Hong Kong last week.
