Paula Badosa issues grovelling apology amid racism storm for now-deleted Instagram post after China Open defeat to Coco Gauff
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Paula Badosa issues grovelling apology amid racism storm for now-deleted Instagram post after China Open defeat to Coco Gauff
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Paula Badosa issues grovelling apology amid racism storm for now-deleted Instagram post after China Open defeat to Coco Gauff
Phil Spencer, Sports Writer
Published: 11:19, 7 Oct 2024Updated: 11:19, 7 Oct 2024
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Paula Badosa has apologised after a photo posted on social media sparked a racism storm.
The Spanish tennis star has been competing in the China Open during the last week but was eliminated in the semi-finals by Coco Gauff.
Badosa has found herself at the centre of a racism storm
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Badosa has found herself at the centre of a racism stormCredit: Getty
Following her exit, Badosa’s coach, Pol Toledo Bague, shared a series of photos on Instagram that documented their time together at the China Open.
However one picture caused a stir with Badosa posing with a pair of chopsticks raised up to her face with her eyes closed.
It led to suggestions that the 26-year-old was making a racist gesture, something which she denies.
Replying to a comment on Instagram, she said: “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 one of my favourite people and have plenty of Asian friends.
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Badosa the made it to the quarter-finals of 2024’s final grand slam, the US Open – equaling her best-ever grand slam having previously reached the last-eight at Roland Garros in 2021.
