This year marked a significant milestone as the WTA introduced its season-ending Finals for the first time in the Middle East. While some ex-players and insiders expressed concerns, it is undeniable that this move likely contributes to the tour's expansion. By bringing people from different communities closer to their passions, it encourages them to pursue their dreams by looking up to their favorite stars.

Paula Badosa's Journey and Controversies

After making a comeback this season following an injury-plagued phase that led her to consider retirement, Paula Badosa traveled to China for the Asian hardcourt swing. She lifted the Citi Open title during the North American leg and then tested her luck at the China Open. With her team, she explored the city and remained focused on the task at hand. Gladly, she reached the event's last four but unfortunately lost to American rival Coco Gauff.However, what followed was a distressing turn of events. After her coach, Pol Toledo, posted a photo on Instagram showing Badosa pulling her eyes back with chopsticks, she was accused of racism. Additionally, she withdrew from the Wuhan Open due to the controversy, with the official reason cited as "gastrointestinal illness."

The Incident at the Wuhan Train Station

Former world No 19 Magda Linette posted a picture of a Wuhan train station sign with the caption "The virus database has been updated," seemingly referring to COVID-19. Although the posts have since been deleted, the comments condemning this gesture gained significant attention in the community.Two months after these incidents, Badosa and Linette's actions caught the attention of the WTA, leading them to condemn any actions that hint at racist slurs or disrespect towards any ethnic community. The WTA's CEO, Portia Archer, emphasized that "objectionable content of any kind relating to the culture, history, or offensive stereotypes of a particular population or country is not in line with the values the WTA represents and will not be tolerated." The statement also highlighted that such actions pose risks to the tournaments and the regions where they are held.

A Similar Controversy in 2008 Beijing Olympics

During the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the Spanish men's basketball team posed for a pre-Olympic advertisement in Marca. The photo showed them pulling their eyelids into a slanted position, mimicking harmful Asian stereotypes. After this disturbing episode, the 27-year-old issued a heartfelt apology.Paula Badosa denied intimidating Asian people amid the racism controversy. Moments after becoming aware of the situation, the 26-year-old issued an apology to her Asian followers via X. She explained that she was unaware of the gesture's meaning and took full responsibility, stating that this incident would make her more cautious in the future. She loves Asia and has many Asian friends.Badosa was last seen in action at the Ningbo Open, where she had to concede after the first set in her semifinal match against Daria Kasatkina due to illness. She is likely to take to the court again at the Australian hardcourt swing in 2025.