What happened with Paula Badosa at China Open? All you need to know about the Spaniard's controversial gesture that has resulted in racism accusations

Paula Badosa's semifinal run at the recently concluded China Open kept her in contention for a spot in the WTA Finals. She had one foot in the final as well but Coco Gauff staged a comeback to beat her 4-6, 6-4, 6-2. Despite all the right moves on the court, her off-court behavior has landed her in hot waters.

Badosa's physical trainer, Pol Toledo, took to Instagram to share a few photos from their time in Beijing. In one such photo, which has since been deleted, she could be seen using chopsticks to pull back her eyelids to imitate the facial features of East Asians.

This caused a furore on social media as the gesture is considered quite offensive, and a racist caricature to mock those of Asian heritage. Fans spoke out against her ignorant behavior and educated her about it. Badosa, on her part, was quick to clear the air and apologize.

"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 wrinkes. I love Asia one one of my favorite people and have plenty of Asian friends. They are the kindest," - Paula Badosa on Instagram.

Paula Badosa clarified herself on Instagram about her behavior. (Image credit: Paula Badosa Instagram)

Badosa wasn't the only WTA player to get caught up in a scandal during the Asian swing. Magda Linette also found herself in the middle of a controversy following her exit from the China Open.

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Magda Linette also stirred up some drama during the Asian swing before Paula Badosa's antics

Magda Linette at the Cincinnati Open 2024. (Photo: Getty)

Linette reached the fourth round of the China Open with wins over Moyuka Uchijima and Jasmine Paolini before losing to Mirra Andreeva. She then left Beijing for the Wuhan Open, and in a since-deleted post on X (Twitter), posted a controversial statement.

Linette let her fans know that she was en route to the season's final WTA 1000 tournament. However, her statement referred to the COVID-19 pandemic, which originated in Wuhan as well, which people didn't take too kindly to.

"Baza wirusow zostala zaktualizowana (The virus database has been updated)" - Magda Linette on X (translated from Polish).

Screenshot of Magda Linette's post on X (formerly Twitter, source: Magda Linette X account).

After being called out for her callous remark, Linette quickly deleted the post. The Wuhan Open returned to the WTA Tour for the first time since the 2019 edition, after the pandemic and logistic issues put it on hold for all these years. The tournament will run from October 7-13.