What a Shame: Fans Accused Badosa Of Racism After She was Found doing… 

What a Shame: Fans Accused Badosa Of Racism After She was Found doing…

Irina Khromacheva, one of the players beaten by Badosa and Muchova in the opening round, slammed the pair and accused them of having no respect for doubles players. She also criticized the WTA for repeatedly allowing similar situations to occur.

Badosa responded to that scathing attack with a brief social media comment, saying people comment on things they do not understand and indicating that their withdrawal was due to an injury worry for Muchova.

Some fans had opinions about the Spaniard’s doubles withdrawal, but most were more interested in what she achieved in singles in Beijing. The latest controversy surrounding the 26-year-old has attracted wider condemnation.

Badosa’s coach, Pol Toledo Balague, shared a series of photos on social media summarizing their time in Beijing together. Most of the pictures were harmless, but one of them was deeply problematic.

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As seen in the picture below (the picture on Balague’s Instagram profile has since been deleted), Badosa appears to mock Asian people by posing with a pair of chopsticks near her eyes in a restaurant in Beijing.

Fans quickly responded to the picture, saying Badosa’s gesture was offensive to Asian people. They questioned why she would make such a gesture and why Balague decided to share the image.

Badosa did not plan to get embroiled in such controversy after a grueling tournament in Beijing. Whether she and her coach knew what they were doing was wrong or not, it was undoubtedly insensitive and unwise on both their parts.

Playing another tournament in China at the Wuhan Open might be awkward for Badosa after the controversy. Chinese fans provide excellent support during matches, but some may be unhappy with the picture.

This incident reminds players to think carefully before taking and then sharing images on social media. Badosa got herself into an uncomfortable situation but it was entirely of her and her coach’s making.