'Imitating Asian people': Paula Badosa apologises for controversial photo
Spanish tennis player Paula Badosa apologised after a photo emerged of her holding chopsticks to her eyes and squinting while in Beijing last week.
Badosa reached the semi-finals of the Beijing Open before losing to eventual champion Coco Gauff but it's what she did off the court that has caught the attention of tennis fans in China and abroad.
The image of the former world No.2 was posted to Instagram by her coach Pol Toledo and immediately sparked criticism online.
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Badosa initially denied claims of racism and insisted that she was not "imitating Asian people", but was instead "playing with my face and wrinkles. I love Asia and I have many Asian friends".
However, the following day, she posted an apology to X and the day after, the world No.15 pulled out of a tournament in Wuhan this week citing gastroenteritis.
The photo of Paula Badosa that sparked criticism online. Instagram
"Really sorry didn't know this was offensive towards racism. My mistake. I take full responsibility. This mistakes [sic] will make me learn for next time."
While she's listed to compete at the Ningbo Open next week, it's unclear whether she will participate with controversial social media activity frowned upon by Chinese officials.
That was the case with world No.45 Magda Linette, who was cut off by her on-court interviewer in Wuhan when she began to issue an apology to fans who appeared upset by the player's comments online.
Linette, from Poland, posted a photo of her train to Wuhan on X, accompanied by a caption in Polish which said: "The virus database has been updated," seemingly referencing COVID-19.
Magda Linette speaking on court. Twitter
There were reports of fans shouting out during her win over Liudmila Samsonova on Tuesday, and when she began her on-court interview with, "I know I offended some of you guys …" the interviewer grabbed the microphone back and said: "OK, talk about your performance."
Linette added: "Thank you so much for being so nice to me," before leaving the court. Yet her apology was reportedly not passed on to fans in attendance.
It's understood the interviewer, said: "She said 'Thankyou'. That's all from us today. The game is over."
