After tennis star Paula Badosa lost in the semifinals at the China Open, her coach posted a photo of her appearing to pull her eyes back with a pair of chopsticks.

Social media fired back, accusing her of racism.

“We weren’t even imitating Asian people,” she wrote in response, the Guardian reported. “I was playing around with my face and wrinkles.”

She then went into a familiar defense of her offensive action.

“I love Asia … and have plenty of Asian friends. They are the kindest.” 

Her response failed to alleviate the anger lashed against her.

“They are mocking their hosts while in China,” one person said in disbelief.

“Worst part is she’s going to say ‘she didn’t know’ the offensiveness of her actions,” another replied.

Badosa is now competing in the Wuhan Open, also in China. There she issued a formal apology.

“Really sorry, I didn’t know this was offensive (or) towards racism,” she wrote on social media. “My mistake. I take full responsibility.”

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