Tennis player refused to participate in tournament after scandal with gesture insulting Asians (1 photo)
A tennis player from Spain has withdrawn from a tournament in China after her allegations of racist behavior caused a stir.
On October 9, Spanish tennis player Paula Badosa (26) competed in the WTA China Open tournament in Beijing, which started on September 25. Her coach, Paul Toledo Wag, posted a photo on social media in which Badosa is sitting in a restaurant and using chopsticks to stretch her eyes, imitating a stereotypical image of Asians.
Such a gesture is traditionally considered an insult to Asians in the West. 
After the photo caused a wide resonance, Badosa said that she was not trying to parody Asians, but was simply "joking about my wrinkles."
She also noted:
"I love Asia and I have many Asian friends."
However, despite her explanations, the criticism did not subside. Soon, the athlete made a public apology, admitting her mistake:
"I did not realize that my actions could be perceived as racism. I am very sorry, this is my mistake, and I take full responsibility for it. I will learn from this situation."
