By GB News (World News) | Created at 2026-10-06 08:51:06 | Updated at 2026-10-06 09:48:14
1 hour ago
Coco Gauff shared she was targeted with racist abuse online following an incident during her China Open victory over teenage opponent Sun Xinran.
Gauff halted play because a light in the side panels around the court was flickering.
Gauff, 22, was serving at 4-5 down in the opening set in Beijing when she raised her hand to signal a distraction, just as the 16-year-old Sun believed she had struck a winning shot.
Under tournament rules, players may request video reviews of particular judgement calls when they consider a hindrance has occurred, including distractions that interfere with play.
After Gauff's intervention, the point was replayed, which the American duly won.
She then held serve to level the set at 5-5 and went on to clinch it 7-5.
From there, the match became one-sided, with Gauff conceding just one game in the second set to seal a comprehensive 7-5, 6-1 win.
The result secured her passage into the last 16 of the tournament in Beijing.
Coco Gauff shared that she suffered racist abuse online after her win at the China Open
REUTERS
The incident drew a torrent of abusive messages directed at the American.
In a lengthy post on social media, Gauff addressed the controversy, describing what had happened as "an unfortunate situation" that was "out of my control".
She noted Sun had understood the circumstances and accepted her apology.
Gauff wrote: "I think it's weird I'm getting hate for following the rules.
The incident drew a torrent of abusive messages directed at the American
REUTERS
"We are told before the matches we are allowed to continue to finish play so keep in mind I am thinking about all this while I'm playing the point.
"Anything can be challenged after the point is over. If I would've lost the point my opponent is also free to do the same thing and ask for a replay.
"It was an unfortunate situation but it is out of my control. Xinran is an incredible talent and player. I apologised for the situation at the end of the match and she completely understood."
Gauff continued: "You can dislike me or disagree about what happened without being racist.
Gauff said: 'You can dislike me or disagree about what happened without being racist'
REUTERS
"The amount of racist comments/direct messages I've received in the last few hours is insane. Lastly, I'm not a cheater or a thief."
Gauff's experience is far from an isolated case within the women's game.
According to a report published in July, female tennis players were the target of more than 12,000 abusive posts and direct messages across social media platforms during 2025.
Both the WTA and World Tennis said "collective action" was necessary to achieve "significant progress" in combating the abuse players face.
