"Be like Coco Gauff" - Serena Williams' ex-coach urges Paula Badosa & Magda Linette to emulate 'classy' American after racism controversies in China
Paula Badosa and Magda Linette found themselves in hot water over their respective social media posts seemingly disrespecting the Chinese culture. Their actions drew widespread criticism from across the tennis world, and former Serena Williams coach Rennae Stubbs recently give her take on this.
Magda Linette's controversy stemmed from a COVID-19-themed joke she posted on social media. While traveling from Beijing to Wuhan to participate in the WTA 1000 tournament at the latter, the Pole posted a picture from inside the train and joked about the coronavirus, which emerged from Wuhan and caused a global pandemic.
"The virus database has been updated," Linette wrote (translated from Polish).
Meanwhile, Paula Badosa got into trouble ahead of the Wuhan Open after his longtime coach, Paul Toledo, posted a picture where she is seen pulling back her eyelids with chopsticks. Many fans were enraged by the photograph and accused the Spaniard of mocking South Asian people.
Rennae Stubbs was left perplexed by Magda Linette and Paula Badosa's conduct. In the latest episode of her podcast, the Aussie said she couldn't understand why the duo would disrespect the country where they were competing and post such content on social media.
"Magda Linette saying what she said, being in Wuhan. Listen, what are you doing? You know, did she and then she, you know, tried to apologize, just don't do it in the first place. Badosa, the coach putting the photo up, what are you guys doing? Like, come, you've gotta have better sense than this to go into a country and to essentially, you know, make fun of the country you're in the people that, you know, it's bad enough you're doing it in public but to put it out on social media, what are you doing?" Stubbs said on The Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast.
The American, who famously coached Serena Williams, advised Magda Linette and Paula Badosa to take inspiration from Coco Gauff when it comes to conducting themselves in public. Stubbs lavished praises on the young American for showing maturity beyond her age and being the perfect ambassador for women's sports.
"Girls, be more like Coco Gauff. Ok, I mean this 20 year old was she 21 yet? it's just, you know, the ultimate in class, the way she spoke about Muchova in the final about how, you know, it's great to have her there. Coco Gauff is just the epitome of just knowing how to do things right at such a young age. She is just a credit to our sport."
Stubbs was also impressed by Coco Gauff's ability to bounce back quickly after the disappointment at the 2024 US Open and split with coach Brad Gilbert. The American won the 2024 China Open with a new coach, who Stubbs believes matches Gauff's "vibe."
"I don't think, I don't know if I said it enough but what she did and winning that tournament with the breakup with her coach Gilbert and then hiring a new person who seems very quiet down to earth. Thinks probably more her, more her vibe. I don't know cos she's pretty, you know, she's a really kind of just good kid and I think she takes everything really to heart and look, she even says stuff even after when she wins finals. Listen I read what you say about me and it's just all receipts," Stubbs added.
Paula Badosa and Magda Linette apologize for controversial behavior ahead of Wuhan Open 2024
Magda Linette and Paula Badosa addressed their insensitive conduct and sought forgiveness from fans at the Wuhan Open. Badosa left several messages on social media platforms to clarify her thinking behind the controversial photograph, which she believed was misinterpreted by fans. The former World No. 2 did not mean to imitate anyone and was playing around.
"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 one of my favorite people and have plenty of Asian friends. They are the kindest," she wrote.
In a post on X, Paula Badosa took full responsibility for her actions. She vowed to learn from her mistake and hoped the fans would forgive her. The Spaniard later withdrew from the Wuhan Open due to a gastrointestinal issue.
"Hey guys! Really sorry didn’t know this was offensive towards racism. My mistake. I take full responsibility. This mistakes will make me learn for next time. Hope you understand…. I love you all.
Unlike Paula Badosa, Magda Linette competed at the Wuhan Open. After her first-round win against Liudmila Samsonova, the Pole took the opportunity during the on-court interview to apologize to the crowd in the stands, a few of whom booed her during the match, for her comment about Wuhan.
"I know that I offended some of you guys... Thank you for being still so nice to me. Thank you so much."
Linette is currently set to face eighth seed Daria Kasatkina in the third round of the Wuhan Open on October 10. The Pole benefitted from the mid-match retirement of her second-round opponent, Lesia Tsurenko, on October 9.