This year, the WTA saw the inclusion of its season-ending Finals for the first time in the Middle East. Though many ex-players and insiders lamented this step, but, let’s be real, this likely promotes the tour’s expansion. People from different communities are brought closer to what they are passionate about, encouraging them to take up their dreams by looking at their favorite stars. However, when Paula Badosa landed in China for the Asian hardcourt swing, she was embroiled in a racism row. Two months on, WTA has reportedly sent her “objectionable content” warning!

After marking her comeback this season following an injury-marred phase that scared her into retirement, Badosa jetted for the China Open to test her luck after lifting the Citi Open title during the North American rubber. She explored the city with her team and, without wasting much energy, remained focused on the task. And gladly, she reached the event’s last four, only to lose against American rival Coco Gauff. What came next was rather more awful.

The Spanish sensation was accused of racism after her coach, Pol Toledo, posted a photo on Instagram showcasing Badosa, pulling her eyes back with chopsticks. Moreover, the former World No. 2 also withdrew from the Wuhan Open in the wake of the controversy, as reported by several sources, despite the official reason for her no-show being cited as ‘gastrointestinal illness’.

Meanwhile, former world No 19 Magda Linette posted a picture of a Wuhan train station sign with the caption “The virus database has been updated”, in an apparent reference to COVID-19. Though the posts have since been deleted, comments condemning the gesture caught significant traction in the community. Two months after the incidents, Badosa and Linette’s actions have caught the attention of the WTA, prompting them to condemn any actions that remotely suggest racist slurs or disrespect towards any ethnic community.

The organization’s CEO Portia Archer, as reported by ‘The I Paper’ first and quoted by corrieredellosport.it later, wrote: “Objectionable content of any kind relating to the culture, history, or offensive stereotypes of a particular population or country is not consistent with the values ​​that the WTA represents and will not be tolerated. Tournaments and countries host us as their guests at considerable effort and expense, and it is of the utmost importance that we respect the local culture of the regions in which we compete, which makes our global Tour a success.”

The statement also highlighted that “these actions may also represent a risk to the tournament which finds itself unwittingly entangled in them, with security, transportation, and other areas potentially put at risk. There is no place for this on the WTA”. While the tour has reportedly addressed this topic, this racism row wasn’t just a one-off.

A similar controversy happened during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Players for the Spanish men’s basketball team posed for a pre-Olympic advertisement in Marca, a prominent Spanish newspaper. The photo depicted them pulling their eyelids into a slanted position, mimicking harmful Asian stereotypes.

However, the 27-year-old issued a heartfelt apology following the disturbing episode.

Paula Badosa denied intimidating Asian people amid racism controversy

Moments after Spanish superstar Paula Badosa caught wind of the racism controversy invoked due to her post, the 26-year-old issued an apology to her Asian followers via X. Though the post has since been deleted, several media outlets, including ‘Sky Sports’, captured it. Badosa explained that she was unaware of the gesture’s connotation and said,

“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. Never thought it would get interpreted this way [and] we weren’t even imitating Asian people. I was playing around with my face and wrinkles. I love Asia … and have plenty of Asian friends. They are the kindest.”

Badosa was last seen in action at the Ningbo Open, where she was forced to concede after the first set during her semifinal contest against Daria Kasatkina due to illness. The Spaniard will likely take to the court next at the Australian hardcourt swing in 2025.