Paula Badosa issues grovelling apology amid racism storm for now-deleted Instagram post after China Open defeat to Coco Gauff
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.
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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.
As a result, Bague removed the picture from Instagram before Badosa looked to explain the photo.
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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.
"They are the kindest."
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However with fans still not convinced, Badosa issued a full apology on X, saying: "Hey guys! Really sorry didn’t know this was offensive towards racism.
"My mistake. I take full responsibility. This mistakes will make me learn for next time.
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"Hope you understand…. I love you all."
The former WTA number two suffered a chronic back injury which heavily disrupted her 2023 campaign.
However this year Badosa has slowly improved after reaching the third-round of the Australian Open and French Open, before getting to the fourth round at Wimbledon.
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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.