Tennis fans blast World No.4 after 'disgraceful' post-match act
World No.4 Paula Badosa has caused uproar after an unsavoury handshake at the end of her shock defeat to World No.169 Jodie Burrage.
The WTA draw collapsed at Eastbourne with a number of top seeds losing, but the biggest upset was British 23-year-old Burrage defeating the top seed Badosa 6-4, 6-3.
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Badosa would have been left regretting the chance to gain a couple more warm-up matches ahead of her Wimbledon campaign, but was outplayed against Burrage.
Although, plenty of drama occurred after the match when Badosa showed little sportsmanship towards opponent, in what would have been the greatest moment of her career.
Burrage waited at the net for Badosa to shake hands with the World No.4.
But, the Spaniard didn't appear in the mood to congratulate her opponent with any warmth as she offered a drive-by handshake without making eye contact.
The tennis world was quick to call out Badosa for the lack of sportsmanship towards Burrage.
LMAOOO and people still tried to defend her when I said Badosa only gives good handshakes when she wins 😭😭😭😭 https://t.co/PIV2EIK3KR
— moonball enthusiast (@ninjaga20) June 22, 2022
I mean, just compare Serena’s desire and will to win at 40 compared to these alleged elite players.
Another insipid performance from Badosa and an even worse handshake. Not impressed. https://t.co/v3PCv3Ptgl— Steven Mills (@StevenMtennis) June 21, 2022
So uncharacteristic as she’s usually such a gracious opponent at net when she loses. Usually good body language, actually faces her opponent, smiles, proper handshake. Today was just shocking and uncalled for.
— KhulisaC (@KhulisaC) June 21, 2022
I’m normally a fan of Paula Badosa, but could she not even congratulate Jodie Burrage with eye contact and a smile?! Jodie will remember this match for the rest of her life, Badosa will not. Sore loser #Eastbourne
— Kat Hunt (@KatHunt51960019) June 21, 2022
@paulabadosa how you treated Jodie Burrage at the net after her victory was disgraceful. Yes you lost to a much lower ranked player but show some respect and class. Awful even the commentators mentioned it.
— Mark white (@Bettyblack74) June 21, 2022
Awful handshake from Badosa at the end. Quite disrespectful.
— ModSocDem 🇺🇦🌹 (@mod_soc_dem) June 21, 2022
Disappointed with Paula Badosa handshake after she lost to Jodie Burrage.
— Delboy (@rilodu1) June 21, 2022
The incident didn't appear to dampen the spirits of the British sensation.
After the match, Burrage was thrilled with the biggest victory of her career.
"I'm not sure I have the words to describe how I feel right now," Burrage told Amazon Prime after the match.
"I'm just over the moon with that win and with how I've been playing and handled myself on court. I can't really believe it so I'm trying to let it sink in a little bit.
"The last few weeks for me have been amazing. I've got so much confidence at the moment and I'm loving every single bit of it."
Top seeds collapse at Eastbourne event
Badosa's loss was followed by a number of upsets at Eastbourne.
Katie Boulter upset World No.7 Karolina Pliskova 1-6, 6-4, 6-4 to cap off a remarkable day for the British.
It marked Boulter's first win against a Top 10 opponent in her career.
A number of other top seeds also exited the draw.
Barbora Krejcikova lost to Ukraine star Marta Kostyuk, Anhelina Kalinina shocked World No.5 Maria Sakkari and No.9 seed Elena Rybakina fell to Lesia Tsurenko.
Despite the carnage, after 12 months on the sidelines, Serena Williams made her long-awaited return to tennis in the lead-up to Wimbledon.
Williams teamed up with Jabeur to produce a 2-6, 6-3, 13-11 win over Sara Sorribes Tormo and Marie Bouzkova in the first round clash.
Williams made a slow start but soon got into the groove and hit an array of winners sprinkled with a handful of aces.
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