Paula Badosa apologises for chopsticks photo as WTA players’ racism storm erupts at Wuhan Open
Spanish tennis champion Paula Badosa has pulled out of the Wuhan Open just days after coming under fire in China, with Poland’s Magda Linette also finding herself in the middle of a racism storm at the tournament.
Badosa was pictured holding chopsticks up to closed eyes in an Instagram gallery posted by her own coach Pol Toledo.
Criticised by social media users and tennis fans, Badosa was quickly on the defence.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“Oh no please don’t get it that way. Never thought it would get interpreted this way, we weren’t even imitating Asian people,” she wrote.
“I was playing around with my face and wrinkles. I love Asia, one of my favourite (places) and have plenty of Asian friends. They are the kindest.”
The 26-year-old issued a further statement to apologise later that day.
“Really sorry, didn’t know this was offensive towards racism. My mistake. I take full responsibility. This mistake will make me learn for next time,” Badosa wrote.
“Hope you understand. I love you all.”
Badosa competed at the China Open in Beijing last week, reaching the semi-finals, and was due to play in Wuhan this week — but she was a late withdrawal from the tournament, citing gastro.
Badosa is still due to play in the Ningbo Open in next week.
Her controversy followed Magda Linette landing herself in hot water in China.
Linette shared a photo of her train to Wuhan with the caption: “The virus database has been updated.”
The Polish veteran attempted to apologise in an on-court interview after her first-round win on Tuesday.
“I know I offended some of you guys so I really want to apologise,” she said.
But halfway through the sentence Linette had the microphone taken away, with the interviewer redirecting the discussion.
“Okay, talk about your performance, yes,” they said.
But Linette simply continued with her own statement: “Thank you so much for being so nice to me so thank you so much.”
The interviewer translated the latter comments for the fans without mentioning the apology.
Originally published on 7NEWS Sport
