Paula Badosa, Magda Linette slammed by former world No 1 amid racism storm
Paula Badosa and Magda Linette have been slammed by doubles great Rennae Stubbs after both women were dragged into racism controversies.
Former world No 2 Badosa was widely criticised online after her physical trainer, Pol Toledo, posted a picture on Instagram – now removed – of the Spaniard appearing to hold her eyes up with chopsticks.
Meanwhile, former world No 19 Linette posted a picture of a Wuhan train station sign with the caption “The virus database has been updated”, in an apparent reference to COVID-19.
The Pole’s post has also now been deleted, though Stubbs – a former doubles No 1 and five-time major winner – accused both her and Badosa of “making fun” of Chinese people.
“Magda Linette said what she said being in Wuhan,” said Stubbs on her podcast.
“Listen, what are you doing? And then she tried to apologize. Just don’t do it in the first place.
“Badosa, the coach putting the photo up. What are you guys doing? You gotta have a better sense of this.
“To go into a country and essentially make fun of the country you’re in, the people. It’s bad enough you’re doing it in public. But to put it out on the social media, what are you doing?”
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Paula Badosa responds to racism accusations over controversial photo in China
Badosa initially commented on the Instagram post denying any racist intent.
“Oh no, please don’t get it that way,” she commented. “Never thought it would get interpreted this way; we weren’t even imitating Asian people. I was playing around with my face and wrinkles.
However, she later apologised on Twitter/X for making a “mistake”.
She wrote: “Hey guys! Really sorry, didn’t know this was offensive towards racism. My mistake. I take full responsibility. These mistakes will make me learn for next time. Hope you understand.”
Linette attempted to apologise on court in Wuhan, following a straight-sets win over Liudmila Samsonova.
The Pole said “I know I offended some of you guys”, but was cut off by the on-court interviewer, who instead asked a question about the match – appearing to direct attention away from a potential apology.
After reaching the last four of the China Open, world No 15 Badosa pulled out of Wuhan due to illness, while Linette progressed to the round of 16 after Lesia Tsurenko retired injured in Wednesday’s contest.
The world No 45 will face eighth seed Daria Kasatkina for a place in the last eight on Thursday.
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