PAULA BADOSA was forced to respond after causing a racism storm on social media.
The Spanish tennis star’s coach shared a photo of Badosa out for dinner at the China Open.
Pol Toledo’s picture displayed her sitting at the restaurant and holding a pair of chopsticks to her eyes.
That led to a furious backlash from tennis supporters who accused Badosa of pulling back her eyes with the chopsticks in a racist gesture while in China.
However, the former world No2 denied this immediately.
Badosa, 26, wrote online: “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 it’s one of my favourite people and have plenty of Asian friends. They are the kindest.”
She then apologised on X: “Hey guys! Really sorry didn’t know this was offensive towards racism.
“My mistake. I take full responsibility. These mistakes will make me learn for next time.
“Hope you understand…. I love you all.”
Coach Toledo edited the Instagram post to remove the controversial photo.
But the image had already caused plenty of traction on social media.
One fan wrote: “So Paula Badosa is now being casually racist against Chinese people while in China? I’m speechless.”
Another said: “Badosa is genuinely stupid. This is so f***ing embarrassing. Did she and her one brain cell think before making this public? Shameful stuff. I’m lost for words. Racism has no place in 2024. She needs to be held accountable for this.”
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A third added: “Badosa lying through her teeth… ‘I was playing around with my face and wrinkles’ – girl please be so for real for a second.”
And a final user commented: “Does Paula Badosa seriously think ‘I have Asian friends’ is a legitimate defence for racism?”
Badosa – a two-time Grand Slam quarter-finalist – is currently ranked 15th in the world.
She reached the semi-finals at the China Open, losing to eventual champion Coco Gauff in three sets in Beijing after taking the opener on Saturday.
Badosa – girlfriend of fellow tennis ace Stefanos Tsitsipas – returns to the court on Tuesday to face Ajla Tomljanovic in her opening match at the Wuhan Open.
