Daily Dose of Social Media: Paula Badosa's photo raises eyebrows amid 'racism' discussion, Rune clashes with his mother over court tactics

Today in our Daily Dose of Social Media, we review the most significant activities and entertainment from ATP and WTA players. Paula Badosa faced criticism for a supposedly racist photo, while the Spanish player took to social media to apologise.

Holger Rune had an annoyed gesture towards his mother during the clash with Matteo Berrettini; Karolina Muchova reflected on her great week at the China Open with posts on Instagram and much more.

Social media erupted against Paula Badosa following a controversial photo during the Wuhan Open. The WTA star is enjoying a great moment on the Tour, seemingly regaining her form after reaching the semifinals of two consecutive WTA 1000 events: the Cincinnati Open in August and the China Open last week.

In a photo shared on social media, posted by her coach Pol Toledo, the world No. 15 is seen pulling the corners of her eyes with chopsticks, which many interpreted as mocking the Chinese community. "Oh no, please don't take it that way," Badosa later apologized after the criticism erupted against her.

"I never thought it would be interpreted like this. We weren't even imitating Asian people. I was just playing around with my face and wrinkles. I love Asia. It’s one of my favourite places, and I have plenty of Asian friends. They are the kindest."

Later, she posted an apology on X: "My mistake. I take full responsibility. These mistakes will help me learn for next time. Hope you understand... I love you all."

ATP stars had fun answering the question of which animal best represents Casper Ruud, with some entertaining responses. The 3-time Grand Slam finalist received answers from his colleagues Borna Coric and Kei Nishikori, who selected animals they felt best suited Ruud.

The Norwegian is currently experiencing a tough stretch, with four consecutive losses since the US Open. After reaching the Round of 16 and losing to Taylor Fritz, Ruud faltered at the Laver Cup against Francisco Cerundolo, followed by a first-round exit at the Tokyo Open against Jordan Thompson, and this week, another early elimination at the Shanghai Masters, this time to Aleksandar Vukic.

“I would say he is a lion, because of his hair. I absolutely love his hair,” Borna Coric said about the animal that best represents Ruud. “Last year, I was trying to grow my hair like his, but unfortunately, I had to cut it. But yeah, I’ll say he’s a lion.”

“I would say a dog,” responded Kei Nishikori. “Because he’s very friendly, easy to talk to, and always smiling. He’s also kind,” the Japanese player added with a smile.

Simona Halep keeps her competitive spirit alive after the long doping ban and is preparing for her next tournament in the Asian Swing while working hard in the gym to get back in shape. Last week, she received a wildcard for the WTA 125 in Hong Kong and secured her first Tour win in 26 months by defeating Arina Rodionova in the first round. However, she was eliminated in the second round by the 7th seed, Anna Blinkova.

The Romanian's performance in her debut has excited her fans, who are hoping for a swift return of the former world No. 1 to the top tier of world tennis. Her next challenge will again be in Hong Kong, this time at a WTA 250 after receiving another wildcard. The 2-time Grand Slam champion made a significant jump in the rankings, from No. 1150 to No. 878, though she still needs a substantial points increase if she wants to return to the top tournaments without requiring an invitation. Halep shared a new video on social media of her training in the gym as she prepares for her next appearance in Hong Kong in a few weeks.

Holger Rune defeated Matteo Berrettini 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 in a tightly contested match in the second round of the Shanghai Masters. The Danish player faced significant difficulties against a formidable opponent like Berrettini, who was as imposing as ever with his serve. However, Rune managed to secure a couple of breaks at crucial moments, advancing to the Round of 32.

During the third set, Rune led 4-3 and had a break point in his favour as he prepared to receive Berrettini’s serve. At that moment, the stadium cameras captured the Danish player's mother, Aneke Rune, gesturing to her son to receive Berrettini's serve on his forehand.

The world No. 14 leaned to his right, but the Italian decided to serve wide to the backhand, leading to a frustrated error from Rune, who couldn't get the ball over the net. The Danish player made an obviously annoyed gesture towards his box where his mother was seated, responding to the "advice" he had received.

Just few players can return from a long absence and quickly regain their form, but Karolina Muchova managed to do so swiftly. In a remarkable week at the China Open, the Czech reached the final of the tournament, securing victories along the way against Aryna Sabalenka (1st seed) and local star Zheng Qinwen (5th). This marks her second final (the previous one being at the Palermo Open, where she lost to Zheng), and she has amassed 18 wins in just 5 tournaments, propelling her to World No. 31.

After her impressive week in Beijing, Muchova shared several photos and videos on social media, showcasing moments from her journey at the Chinese tournament. The 28-year-old player is seen both on the court and in training sessions, signing autographs, and giving official media interviews.

Matteo Berrettini experienced a special moment before stepping onto the court to face Holger Rune at the Shanghai Masters. The 2021 Wimbledon runner-up had a wonderful gesture as he chatted with a girl who accompanied him down the hallway to enter Center Court.

Shanghai is one of the tournaments where a child walks hand-in-hand with the players to the main courts, and this time the Italian took a moment to introduce himself and ask the girl questions in a sweet moment captured by the official broadcast cameras.

“Hello, how are you?” Berrettini asked. “Nice to meet you, you’re seven, right? I’m a little bit older, I’m 28,” said the former world No. 5 while showing his age with his fingers. You can check out the sweet moment the player shared with the girl below.