Tennis star Paula Badosa has broken her silence after posting a now-deleted photo to her Instagram account.
The 26-year-old, who has a career-high WTA ranking of number two, lost to Coco Gauff in the semi-final of the China Open on Saturday.
Having not dropped a set in any of her previous four matches, Badosa was defeated 4-6 6-4 6-2 by the 2023 US Open winner.
But while Gauff went on to win the WTA tournament, defeating Karolina Muchova in the final, Badosa was forced to apologise to her followers on Instagram.
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The apology came after she shared a set of photos posted by her coach, Pol Toledo Bague, around their time in China.
One photo saw the Spaniard posing with a pair of chopsticks raised to both sides of her head, in line with her eyes, with the photo since circulating on social media.
Some accused her of a racist gesture - something that Badosa has denied.
She 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 favourite people and have plenty of Asian friends. They are the kindest."
She later posted to Twitter: "Hey guys! Really sorry didn't know this was offensive towards racism.
"My mistake, I take full responsibility. This mistakes will make me learn for next time. Hope you understand... I love you all."
Badosa has enjoyed a strong run of form on the court in recent months, reaching the quarter-finals of the US Open.
She won a WTA event in Washington in August, and also reached the fourth round at Wimbledon before losing to Donna Vekic.
The Spaniard is currently ranked in 16th on the WTA tour.
Topics: Tennis
Ryan Smart