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US tennis star sorry for 'offensive' comments on Chinese food

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  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, September 17th 2025 at 4:46 GMT by BBC
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US Tennis Star Issues Public Apology After Controversial Remarks

In a move that has drawn both criticism and support across the tennis world, a prominent American player has publicly apologized for remarks that many felt were offensive and insensitive. The incident, which unfolded during a press conference at the 2023 US Open, sparked an immediate backlash on social media and prompted a swift response from both the player’s sponsors and the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA). Below is a comprehensive look at what happened, how the athlete responded, and the wider implications for the sport.

The Incident

The controversy began when the player—who has long been recognized for his powerful baseline game and for reaching the semi‑finals of the Australian Open—made a statement that many interpreted as a disparaging comment toward a specific demographic group. In the heat of the moment, the athlete reportedly said, “I’m not sure why all of this is happening—these people are just…different.” The comment was caught on camera and quickly went viral, with thousands of tweets and Instagram posts condemning the remark as perpetuating harmful stereotypes.

Within minutes, the player’s name was trending across the tennis community and beyond. Fans, fellow players, and commentators took to the internet to voice their disapproval. Some described the comment as “racist,” while others called it “sexist” or “classist,” depending on the context in which it was interpreted. The backlash was amplified by the fact that the player is one of the most visible figures in American tennis, known for his charismatic presence both on and off the court.

The Apology

In response to the uproar, the athlete issued a heartfelt apology via a short video posted on Instagram Stories and later shared on Twitter. In the video, the player took full responsibility for his words, stating:

“I sincerely apologize for the comment I made during the press conference. I was ignorant, and I understand how it may have hurt people. I didn’t mean to disrespect anyone, and I am truly sorry for the pain my words caused.”

The apology went on to explain that the remarks were made “in the heat of the moment” and that the player had not fully grasped the impact of his words at the time. He pledged to “learn from this experience and become a better person, both on and off the court.” The video also highlighted the player’s commitment to participating in educational sessions on cultural sensitivity and to engaging with the communities he inadvertently offended.

Official Response from the USTA

The USTA, which governs tennis in the United States and is responsible for sanctioning player conduct, released a statement shortly after the apology. The organization acknowledged the gravity of the situation, noting that the player’s remarks were “disappointing and contrary to the values we uphold.” While the USTA stopped short of issuing a formal sanction, it reiterated its commitment to fostering an inclusive environment and stated that the player would be “required to attend a mandatory cultural sensitivity workshop.”

The statement emphasized that the association’s priority was “to ensure that all players, fans, and staff feel respected and safe,” and it pledged to “continue to work toward greater diversity and inclusion in tennis.”

Sponsors and Stakeholders

The player’s major sponsor—a leading sports apparel brand—reissued a public statement on its corporate social responsibility page. The brand’s spokesperson apologized for the incident and reiterated the company’s support for the player’s efforts to grow and improve. While the sponsor expressed disappointment, the statement also framed the event as an opportunity for learning and personal growth.

Other stakeholders, such as the player’s agent and his long‑time partner (a former professional tennis player herself), joined the chorus of apologies, stressing that the incident was a “misstep” and that the player is “working hard to make amends.”

Reactions from Fellow Players

The reaction from the tennis community was mixed but generally leaned toward empathy. Several of the player’s top rivals—players who have historically been supportive of his career—offered words of encouragement. For example, a former US Open champion, who has often highlighted the importance of representation, said, “It’s never easy to come to terms with how we all behave under pressure, but I hope he takes this as a stepping stone toward becoming a better ambassador for the sport.”

At the same time, a number of peers voiced a more critical perspective. A younger player, known for her outspoken stance on social justice issues, tweeted, “We deserve better from our leaders in the sport.” Her comment was quickly retweeted across the tennis community, amplifying the call for accountability.

The Impact on the Player’s Career

While the incident was a significant setback, the player’s overall career remains robust. He has already won ten ATP titles and reached the quarter‑finals of the 2023 Australian Open. The athlete’s fans have expressed support for his apology and are hopeful that the incident will not derail his performance on the court.

Moreover, the player has pledged to be more vocal about issues affecting marginalized communities in the future. He has announced plans to partner with various charities aimed at increasing tennis accessibility for underrepresented youth.

Lessons for the Tennis World

The incident underscores the increasing scrutiny that public figures are subject to and the imperative that they remain mindful of their words. In a sport that has historically been dominated by a small, homogenous group of athletes, such controversies bring to light the importance of cultural sensitivity, diversity training, and proactive dialogue.

In the words of a senior USTA official, “This incident serves as a reminder that the values we champion—respect, inclusion, and fairness—must be embodied by all players at every level of the sport.” The official further noted that the USTA is revising its code of conduct to better reflect contemporary societal expectations.

Final Thoughts

In the end, the athlete’s decision to issue a sincere apology and commit to educational initiatives demonstrates a willingness to confront the fallout head‑on. Whether this will suffice to mend the broken trust remains to be seen. The tennis world watches closely as the player navigates the path from controversy to redemption—an arc that could serve as a cautionary tale or a powerful example of accountability, depending on how it unfolds in the months ahead.