Brazil's Guilherme Clezar says there was no racist intent behind an offensive gesture he made during a Davis Cup match against Japan in Osaka.
After successfully challenging a line call during his match against Yuichi Sugita, Clezar stretched his eyes in the direction of a line judge.
The 24-year-old said later he "never had the slightest intention to be aggressive, racist, prejudiced".
Clezar lost 6-2 7-5 7-6 (7-5) and China lead the World Group play-off 2-0.
In a post on the Brazilian Tennis Confederation Facebook page, Clezar said: "We have been extremely well received here and I have an excellent relationship with all tennis players from many different countries on the circuit.