Tennis star Paula Badosa embroiled in racism row after chopsticks photo

Star tennis player Paula Badosa, who has been facing criticism for racism against Chinese people, has withdrawn from this week’s Wuhan Open, it was confirmed on Tuesday. The organisers of the WTA 1000 tournament said that the Spaniard pulled out due to gastrointestinal illness, hours before her first round match against Australian Ajla Tomljanovic.

However, the former world number two’s withdrawal is seen as a result of a recent racism row over her online photo.

Racism controversy surrounding Badosa

Media outlets including Britain’s The Telegraph newspaper reported earlier that Badosa had posted a photo on Instagram in which she appeared to imitate a Chinese face by placing chopsticks on the corners of her eyes.

More from Tennis

Why Novak Djokovic’s tennis calendar is under scrutiny as experts fear he could be left behind Federer India's historic tennis win: Sumit Nagal beats Henry Bernet as India reach Davis Cup qualifiers for first time

The photo was taken last week in a restaurant in Beijing, where she reached the semifinals of the China Open, and was posted online by her coach Pol Toledo.

It sparked a social media uproar and has since been deleted.

Badosa apologises

The world number 15 apologised for her behaviour in a post on social media platform X on Monday.

“Hey guys! Really sorry didn’t know this was offensive towards racism. My mistake,” she wrote.

“I take full responsibility. These mistakes will make me learn for next time. Hope you understand.”

Badosa was replaced in the draw by lucky loser Lucia Bronzetti of Italy, who will now play Tomljanovic.

With agency inputs