Paula Badosa’s recent trip to Beijing with boyfriend and fellow tennis star Stefanos Tsitsipas, intended as a warm embrace of Chinese culture, has quickly turned controversial. While the couple earned praise initially—Badosa for her friendly “Ni hao” greeting on Instagram, and Tsitsipas for writing his Chinese nickname on a camera lens—the mood shifted when Badosa found herself facing backlash over a seemingly playful gesture. The issue? A photo surfaced showing Badosa using chopsticks to pull her eyelids back, sparking an online uproar as fans accused her of mocking Asian features.
The uproar started with an Instagram post by her trainer, Pol Toledo, who shared the photo series to capture highlights of their Beijing experience. However, one photo in particular caught fans’ attention and drew criticism for being racially insensitive. As reactions poured in, Toledo quickly deleted the photo, but the incident had already gained traction, prompting Badosa to address the allegations head-on.
Responding in the comment section, Badosa attempted to clarify her actions. “Oh no, please don’t get it that way. Never thought it would get interpreted this way; we weren’t even imitating Asian people,” she wrote. She went on to express her admiration for Asian culture, describing Asia as one of her favorite places and mentioning her friendships with Asian players on the tour. “I was playing around with my face and wrinkles,” she explained, insisting that the gesture wasn’t intended to offend.
This incident has re-ignited debates around cultural sensitivity in the sports world, raising questions about the responsibilities athletes bear when navigating different cultures, especially under the scrutiny of social media. Badosa has been no stranger to online criticism. In a previous interview, she shared how she copes with the relentless pressure of being in the public eye, especially as a high-profile athlete. “It’s something that continues to happen to me…they don’t just write to me about my work but also about my private and personal life,” Badosa explained, adding that although criticism can be challenging, she’s learned to focus on her goals rather than public perception.
Social media’s reach can amplify even minor actions, turning seemingly innocuous behavior into a cultural flashpoint. While some fans have defended Badosa, arguing that her intentions were misunderstood, others feel that athletes like her need to be more conscious of their influence. With tensions over representation and cultural sensitivity running high, Badosa’s controversy illustrates the fine line public figures walk in today’s globalized and digitally connected world.
Is Badosa’s gesture a simple mistake blown out of proportion, or a case of cultural insensitivity? Only time—and public perception—will tell. But one thing’s for sure: this incident serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of cultural awareness, especially when the eyes of the world are watching.
