Paula Badosa pulls out of Wuhan Open hours after insulting Asians with chopstick photo

Paula Badosa will not get the chance to apologise to fans in person at the Wuhan Open after the world No. 15 pulled out of the competition, hours on from causing a racism storm for a photo posted while in China.

The Spanish star has received immense backlash on the Asian swing after a photo was posted on social media of Badosa pulling her eyes back with chopsticks.

The picture was captured by her coach, Pol Toledo, in a series of snaps that have since been deleted which showcase Badosa in a restaurant with chopsticks in each hand pulling the sides of her eyes.

Badosa immediately sought to apologise in the comments of the post, writing: "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 it's one of my favorite people and have plenty of Asian friends. They are the kindest."

She later added on X (formerly known as Twitter): "Hey guys! Really sorry didn't know this was offensive towards racism. My mistake. I take full responsibility. This mistake will make me learn for next time (I love Asia btw). Hope you understand. I love you all."

Fans were up in arms despite Badosa saying sorry, but just a few hours after the backlash was ignited she decided to pull out of the Wuhan Open, where she was scheduled to face Ajla Tomljanovic in the first round on Tuesday.

On the day of the match, however, organisers confirmed that Badosa had withdrawn from the event. A gastrointestinal illness was cited as the reason for her absence.

Badosa had enjoyed a strong Asian swing before arriving in Wuhan, having reached the semi-finals of the China Open which included victory over second seed Jessica Pegula, before going down to eventual champion Coco Gauff in Beijing.

The Spaniard has been plagued by injury throughout her career and revealed that she was told to retire by doctors last year. She still relies on cortisone injections to keep her career alive.

The 26-year-old had to shut down her season last year in July due to a stress fracture in her back, before rushing back to play in Wimbledon only to retire in the second round and take a break from tennis.

She has since battled back and made the quarter-finals of the US Open this year, before going down to Emma Navarro, but has needed to be more selective in which tournaments she competes in.

Badosa skipped the Olympics in order to prioritise the final Grand Slam of the season and has now pulled out of the Wuhan Open amid a racism storm.