The Spanish tennis player Paula Badosa (15 WTA) was the protagonist of a controversy en through his participation in the WTA Masters 1,000 from Shanghai, China, by publishing an image on social networks where he made a gesture with chopsticks that some interpreted as mockery of the facial features of Chinese citizens.
“I didn’t know this was offensive nor could it mean racism, I’m so 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. I never thought it could be interpreted in this sense. We weren’t imitating Asian people, I was playing with my face and wrinkles. “I love Asia and I have many Asian friends,” he said.
Hours after the controversy, The European made a drastic decision and withdrew from the WTA 1000 in Wuhan due to gastroenteritis.
As a result of this health problem and his absence in the Asian competition, Paula Badosa was left without options direct qualification for the WTA Finals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (November 2 to 9).
