Her coach, Pol Toledo Bague, is said to have shared the photo on Instagram after she was defeated on Saturday in the China Open semifinals.
The 26-year-old Badosa was seen squinting and holding chopsticks up to her eyes in a restaurant.
One social media user questioned whether the picture was “supposed to be funny” amid the attacks directed at her. She was accused of “casual racism” by another, and a third person questioned her about whether or not “I have Asian friends” was a “legitimate defence for racism.”
“I am offended,” was all that one person wrote in a comment, while “quite shocking” was what another person said about Badosa liking the picture.
When Badosa first replied, she said that she had been “playing with my face and wrinkles” rather than “imitating Asian people.”. I have a lot of Asian friends, and I adore Asia. They are the most compassionate people.
After that, she apologized on X, writing, “I’m really sorry; I didn’t realize this was offensive to people who practice racism.” My error. I accept full accountability. I shall learn from this mistake [sic] for the future.
