Tennis player apologizes for ‘slit-eyed’ gesture against Japanese foe

TOKYO, Japan – Brazil tennis player Guilherme Clezar apologized Saturday, September 16 for making what appeared to be a slit-eyed gesture during his country’s Davis Cup tie with Japan.

While denying any racist intent, the 24-year-old could be in hot water following an incident during Friday’s defeat by Yuichi Sugita in a world group playoff in Osaka.

After successfully challenging a line call, an exasperated Clezar stretched his eyes in an apparent criticism of the line judge.

The gesture was caught by local television, but the player insisted he had not meant to insult Japanese people in a post on the Brazilian tennis federation’s Facebook page.

“I want to underline that I never had the slightest intention to be aggressive, racist, prejudiced or anything of the type against Asian people,” said Clezar, who lost the opening rubber 6-2, 7-5, 7-6 before Brazil fell 2-0 down in the tie.

“We have been extremely well received here and I have an excellent relationship with all tennis players from many different countries on the circuit,” he added. 

“Even though I didn’t mean any prejudice, I recognize the gesture doesn’t ring true with the attitudes of respect, enthusiasm, solidarity, emotion and many other things that sport means to us and I want to express my regret and my most sincere apologies.”

The International Tennis Federation declined to comment, although Brazilian media reported that the ITF and Brazilian officials were scheduled to meet on Saturday.

Clezar is ranked 244th in the world and mainly competes on the Challenger tour.

English Premier League football club Chelsea were forced to issue an apology in July after social media posts by Brazilian winger Kenedy that insulted Chinese people during a preseason tour to the Far East. – Rappler.com