Tennis

Former world number two Paula Badosa has withdrawn from the Wuhan Open amid a racism row over an online photo. The Spaniard pulled out of the WTA 1000 tournament, citing a gastrointestinal illness, hours before her first round match against Australian Ajla Tomljanovic.The controversy stems from a photo posted on Instagram by Badosa's coach, Pol Toledo, last week. The image showed Badosa in a restaurant in Beijing, where she reached the semi-finals of the China Open, with chopsticks placed on the corners of her eyes.The photo sparked a social media uproar, with many accusing Badosa of racism. The image was subsequently deleted, and Badosa issued an apology on Monday."Hey guys! Really sorry didn't know this was offensive towards racism. My mistake," she wrote on social media platform X. "I take full responsibility. These mistakes will make me learn for next time. Hope you understand."Badosa's withdrawal from the Wuhan Open has been met with mixed reactions. Some have criticized her for her actions, while others have defended her, saying that she made an innocent mistake.The incident has highlighted the importance of cultural sensitivity in the sports world. Athletes are often role models for young people, and it is important for them to be aware of the potential impact of their actions.Badosa's apology suggests that she understands the seriousness of the situation. It remains to be seen whether she will face any further consequences for her actions.

Daniil Medvedev, the 2021 US Open champion, is known for his authenticity and unfiltered nature. In an interview at the Terra Wortmann Open, Medvedev shared his thoughts on being true to himself, the impact of social media, and the lessons he's learned from fatherhood.Medvedev believes that being authentic means not lying about oneself and knowing what one wants in life. He acknowledges that his emotions can be intense, but he doesn't try to hide them. He understands that some people may perceive him as arrogant or angry, but he remains true to his character.Medvedev reflects on how social media has changed the way players are perceived. In the past, players could avoid negative feedback unless it was expressed directly to their face. Now, with the constant barrage of opinions on social media, players are often subjected to hurtful messages.Despite the potential for negativity, Medvedev refuses to change his ways. He believes that it's important to be true to oneself, even if it means facing criticism. He strives to achieve a state of mind where he can be authentic and not care about what others think.Medvedev's journey as a father has also influenced his perspective. The birth of his daughter, Alisa, has taught him patience and compassion. He realizes that he needs to be more open-minded and willing to repeat himself without raising his voice.Medvedev's stubbornness is a trait that he sees in his daughter as well. He believes that it's important to accept help from others, but that it's ultimately up to the individual to decide when they need it.As Medvedev continues his pursuit of success on the court, he remains focused on his personal growth. He knows that Alisa will be watching, and he wants to be the best father he can be.

Sam Querrey, the former Wimbledon finalist, is once again teasing a follow-up to his viral copycat rendition of Eugenie Bouchard's backyard-bikini photo shoot. Querrey, who has a massive online presence with 2.4 million Instagram followers, has been known to poke fun at Bouchard's penchant for posing in barely-there bikinis.After his first effort drew a thumbs-up from Bianca Andreescu, Leylah Fernandez, and Reilly Opelka, plus a plethora of tennis fans, Querrey decided to ask the masses if they wanted to see a sequel based off of Bouchard's newest content."Should I do it?" he polled his followers, while holding what appeared to be a white-and-floral-patterned bikini bottom.The muse herself, though, is not ready for the follow-up."Oh God, pls [please] no," she joked as she reposted Querrey into her own Instagram story.But whether or not Querrey follows through on his promise, Bouchard won't just be starring on social media this summer.In the last week, it was announced that the Canadian was given a wild card to the qualifying tournament at the upcoming WTA 1000 tournament in Toronto. She'll play in either the main draw or qualifying of her country's flagship tournament for the 14th time, but hasn't featured in the main draw since 2019.Bouchard has only played two professional tennis tournaments this year as she continues to balance her touring career with one in professional pickleball. She reached the quarterfinals of an ITF World Tennis Tour event in Zephyrhills, Fla. in May, and played doubles this week at the WTA 500 Mubadala Citi DC Open with Sloane Stephens, where they lost in Tuesday's first round.

Eliza Wastcoat's journey into the world of tennis media is a testament to the transformative power of passion and the boundless opportunities that can arise from embracing one's love for a sport.Growing up in London, Wastcoat's initial encounter with tennis as a Wimbledon ball kid did not ignite a lasting flame. However, during the global pandemic, when time seemed to stand still, she rediscovered her passion for the game. With the help of a family friend, she embarked on a journey to improve her backhand, spending countless hours on the court.As her love for tennis grew, Wastcoat decided to share her passion with the world through social media. She began creating content that delved into tournament results, fashion, and trends in the tennis landscape. Her authenticity and relatable approach quickly set her apart in the crowded social media space.Wastcoat's content covers a wide range of topics, from fashion tips to match analysis and moments that resonate with both professional and recreational players. She believes that social media can be a valuable tool for players to connect with fans and advocate for their values.She highlights the contrasting social media strategies of Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka as examples of how players can use their platforms to connect with their audience in different ways. Swiatek maintains a more private presence, while Sabalenka engages with fans through humorous videos and interactions.Wastcoat's approach to social media is characterized by authenticity and a willingness to embrace imperfection. She encourages others to share their love for tennis without the pressure of perfection.In addition to her social media presence, Wastcoat has also made a name for herself as an interviewer and commentator. She has interviewed players, discussed ways to improve tennis, and weighed in on the ongoing debate about men's short inseam lengths.Wastcoat's passion for tennis and her ability to connect with fans make her a valuable asset to the tennis community. She is a shining example of how embracing one's love for a sport can lead to unexpected opportunities and a platform to share that passion with the world.

Will Smith's Instagram followers were surprised to see a video of American tennis player Shelby Rogers in his story. The video showcased Rogers performing impressive lower-body stretches with kettle bells while in a handstand position.Rogers revealed that the video was actually five years old and had resurfaced as a memory on her phone. She shared it again, unaware that it would go viral. "I'm officially viral now! My first viral video," she exclaimed.Rogers' social media presence has been enhanced by her collaboration with Jakub Ostajewski, a 22-year-old member of her coaching team. Ostajewski has introduced her to Gen Z trends, including a creative video soundtracked to Elvis Presley's "Burning Love" that marked the start of the clay-court season.Rogers' newfound social media savvy is part of a larger shift in perspective she has adopted after a knee surgery that sidelined her for the second half of last season. She has realized the importance of appreciating the beauty of the cities she visits and finding joy in the little things."I wanted to just be able to take a step back, be outside of myself a little bit, and just really appreciate everything around it," she said. "It helps me be a little more present, which is just helpful for playing tennis better, enjoying everything, finding joy in the little things."Rogers' return to the tour has been marked by a renewed sense of gratitude and a determination to make the most of every moment. Her viral video and her active social media presence are testaments to her positive outlook and her commitment to connecting with her fans.