Tennis star Paula Badosa insists she is ‘sorry’ after being accused of racism at the China Open over an ‘offensive’ social media post involving chopsticks.
Badosa, who was ranked as high as world No.2 two years ago, was pictured at a dinner table performing a gesture with a pair of chopsticks held up to her face.
The Spanish world No.15 appeared to have her eyes closed – although some have suggested she was squinting – and the Instagram post has since been deleted.
It was put up by her coach, Pol Toledo, after Badosa lost in the semi-finals of the China Open to American world No.4 Coco Gauff.
Badosa has since issued an apology and wrote on Instagram: ‘I never thought it could be interpreted in this way.
‘We weren’t imitating Asian people, I was playing with my face and wrinkles. I love Asia and I have many Asian friends.’
She also addressed the incident on X and added: ‘I didn’t know that this was offensive or could mean racism, I’m very sorry.
‘I take full responsibility and it was a mistake. These mistakes will make me learn for next time. I hope you understand… I love you all’.
Badosa attracted fame by starring on the Netflix documentary series Break Point, which follows a crop of professional players around the ATP and WTA Tours.
She is also known for her on-off relationship with fellow tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas.
To date, Badosa has won four titles on the WTA Tour, with her first two coming in 2021 at the Belgrade Open and then at Indian Wells.
Her third and fourth titles arrived at the 2022 Sydney International and 2024 Washington Open respectively.
The 26-year-old enjoyed a run to the US Open quarter-finals earlier this year, equalling her best performance in singles at a Grand Slam.