Spanish tennis player Paula Badosa has issued an apology after facing backlash for a controversial gesture she made while visiting China for tournaments. Badosa, who was competing in the China Open, was photographed pulling the corners of her eyes with chopsticks, a pose that quickly sparked criticism online.
The incident was highlighted after Badosa’s coach, Pol Toledo Bagué, shared the photo on his Instagram account over the weekend. The post, which has since been deleted, tagged the official account of the China Open tournament, leading to widespread attention and accusations of racism.
Badosa, who lost to American Coco Gauff in the China Open semifinals on Saturday, responded to the criticism in an Instagram comment. “Never thought it would get interpreted this way [and] we weren’t even imitating Asian people. I was playing around with my face and wrinkles,” she reportedly wrote, according to the Daily Mail. “I love Asia … and have plenty of Asian friends. They are the kindest.”
Despite her response, the backlash continued, prompting Badosa to withdraw from the Wuhan Open tournament, citing a gastrointestinal illness. Ahead of her withdrawal, she posted an apology on social media.
“Really sorry [I] didn’t know this was offensive towards racism,” Badosa wrote in her apology, according to screenshots shared online. “My mistake. I take full responsibility. This mistake will make me learn for next time. Hope you understand…. I love you all.” However, this message also appears to have been deleted shortly after.
On Wednesday, Badosa posted a smiling selfie and a video of herself dancing to her Instagram stories, indicating she was moving past the controversy. She did not immediately respond to HuffPost’s request for comment.
This incident has drawn comparisons to a similar controversy involving Spain during the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics. Members of Spain’s basketball teams were photographed making the same gesture in an advertisement published in a popular Spanish newspaper. Additionally, players and staff from the Spanish tennis federation were also photographed making the racist gesture, leading to widespread condemnation.
Badosa’s situation highlights the sensitivity around gestures and cultural respect, especially for athletes competing on an international stage. While she has expressed remorse and taken responsibility for her actions, the controversy serves as a reminder of the importance of cultural awareness and understanding.
Spanish #tennis player #PaulaBadosa has apologized for a racially insensitive gesture during the #WuhanOpen after being criticized for a photo mimicking “Asian eyes.” She clarified it was unintentional and later withdrew from the tournament due to gastrointestinal issues. Her… pic.twitter.com/k17KSj3Uqp
— Shanghai Daily (@shanghaidaily) October 9, 2024