Tennis and drama—it’s the never-ending love story that keeps fans on the edge of their seats! Whether it’s fiery exchanges between players, controversial calls, or fans passionately voicing their opinions, the sport never runs short of moments that get people talking. One such headline-grabbing controversy centered around Spanish sensation Paula Badosa and her physical trainer, Pol Toledo, last year. But what was it about and how did the star player overcome it?

Badosa was in remarkable form during the Asian Swing last year. She displayed some great tennis at the China Open and advanced to the semi-finals. Notably, before losing to Coco Gauff in the semi-finals, she did not drop a single set throughout the tournament. Motivated to keep her momentum going, she was gearing up for her campaign at the Wuhan Open and was scheduled to play her first match against Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic. But right ahead of the tournament, from which she eventually withdrew citing a gastrointestinal illness, she captured massive attention and not for the right reasons. 

The controversy erupted after Badosa’s physical trainer, Pol Toledo took to his Instagram account in October and shared some pictures to give a sneak peek into their memorable moments during their stay in the city. In one of those pictures, Badosa was seen using chopsticks to pull her eyelids back, as if to imitate the slanted eyes of the Southeast Asian people. And while Toledo was prompt enough to delete the post, it ignited a huge controversy. 

Several fans took to the comment section and slammed the duo, accusing them of being racist. The ire did not die anytime soon with social media witnessing immense backlash for Badosa and Toledo. However, the Spaniard soon came into a damage control mode and shared that she unknowingly engaged in such a gesture. 

Taking to her Instagram story, Badosa wrote, “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 favorite people and have plenty of Asian friends. They are the kindest.” But the China Open was not just about Badosa’s controversy.

The Spanish star was also seen embracing the Chinese culture at the tournament. Shortly after her arrival, she shared a few photos on her IG account, captioning, “Ni hao” which means ‘hi‘ or ‘hello‘ in Chinese. And although her gesture angered her fans, she was quick to win them back with her clarification. However, those incidents are now a matter of the past. 

For now, the star player is gearing up to face Coco Gauff in the quarterfinals of the ongoing Australian Open and is determined to take revenge on the young star. 

Paula Badosa opens up about her plans against Coco Gauff

Paula Badosa has emerged as a formidable force in the courts over the years. The World No. 12 has pulled out some sensational victories over the years and is desperate to do the same yet again against Coco Gauff on Tuesday at the Rod Laver Arena. 

Speaking about the same, she said, “I love Coco. I respect her a lot. She’s a great competitor. We always have tough matches. The last one was tough for me because I was winning at that moment, then the momentum changed. I hope I can have my revenge here.” Remember, the last recorded clash between the duo came at the China Open where the American baffled Badosa in straight sets. But now, all Badosa wants is to bounce back.

“It’s a special match, the quarterfinals center court, against her. I will get ready for that battle again. She’s full of confidence but I’m playing well too. I’m ready to face her,” she added. Now, as the tournament unfolds, it will be interesting to see if she can accomplish her goals and continue her campaign in Melbourne. But will Gauff let it happen? Only time will tell.