The former world No.2 clarified that she was not imitating Asian people and expressed her regret for any misunderstanding.
Tennis star Paula Badosa has issued an apology to fans after she sparked controversy with an 'offensive' pose in a social media post.
On Saturday, Badosa suffered defeat in the semi-finals of the China Open at the hands of eventual title winner American star Coco Gauff. In the aftermath, Badosa's coach - Pol Toledo - posted on Instagram with a collection of pictures from their time during the tournament.
One picture showed Badosa sitting at dinner and performing a gesture with a pair of chopsticks held up to her face and her eyes squinted. It led to some users on social media claiming that Badosa had performed a racist gesture. Toledo has since deleted the post, according to the Daily Mail.
In a comment on Instagram, she wrote: "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."
Then, Badosa replied to a post about the incident on X, where she said: "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 recently admitted that she was told to stop playing tennis by doctors last year after suffering a number of injury setbacks.
The former world No2 endured a difficult 2023 that saw her miss the Australian Open due to an adductor injury before she pulled out of the French Open with a stress fracture of her back.
Badosa rushed back to play at Wimbledon, but was forced to retire in the second round prior to taking an extended break from the sport.
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