Fans have taken issue with tennis player Paula Badosa for making a controversial gesture after she was eliminated from the 2024 China Open.
Badosa’s trainer, Pol Toledo, posted a picture of her on social media following her semifinal loss to Coco Gauff, in which it looked as though she was holding chopsticks to her eyelids. Fans swiftly took offence at the action, believing it to be a ridicule of Asian people.
Badosa responded to the criticism on Instagram and refuted any ill intent in response to the backlash.
She wrote: “Oh no, please don’t get it that way. I 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 places, and have plenty of Asian friends. They are the kindest.”
Many of her fans weren’t satisfied even after she gave an explanation; some referred to her response as cowardly and ignorant.
Badosa will play at the Wuhan Open next. She lost to Gauff 6-4, 4-6, 2-6 in the Beijing semifinals. The debate rages on social media as she gets ready for her next match.
Paula Badosa in 2024
At the moment ranked no.15, Badosa played her last match on the 5th of October when she surrendered to world no.4 Cori Gauff 4-6 6-4 6-2 in the semifinal in Beijing (draw).
Presently, during this year the Spaniard has achieved an overall 34-17 win-loss record. The Spaniard conquered 1 title in Washington.
Paula Badosa |
| Embed from Getty Images |