Coco Gauff Decries Racist Abuse After China Open Match Controversy

Coco Gauff has spoken out against racist remarks she received online after a controversial moment during her China Open match against 16-year-old Sun Xinran. The incident occurred late in the first set when Gauff stopped play due to flickering electronic advertising boards along the court. The chair umpire ordered the point to be replayed.

Sun, who had been on home soil and recently won the U.S. Open junior title, appeared to be in a position to win the point when Gauff halted play. Following the match, which Gauff won 7-5, 6-1, she addressed the online abuse.

"the amount of racist comments/dms I’ve received in the last few hours is insane," Gauff posted on X, formerly Twitter. She added that she is "not a cheater or a thief" and that fans should be able to express dislike without resorting to racism.

Gauff has previously been targeted with similar comments from gamblers after her exit from the Madrid Open earlier this year.

Explaining the on-court situation, Gauff stated that she saw a light flicker during the point but was initially unsure. She noted that players are permitted to continue play and then challenge afterwards if necessary. "If I would’ve lost the point my opponent is also free to do the same thing and ask for a replay and she would’ve have been completely in her right to do so," Gauff explained.

She saw the light flicker again and raised her hands. "It was an unfortunate situation but it is out of my control, the think pieces and calling me an unfair is ridiculous when those are the rules. I did not make them, I think it’s weird i’m getting hate for following the rules," Gauff said.

Gauff expressed sympathy for her young opponent, who was making her WTA Tour debut. "Xinran is incredible talent and player, I apologized for the situation at the end of the match and she completely understood." Gauff added, "I did not like to see her so emotional as I’ve been there and I really understand what it is like but this is just the beginning of an incredible career. It was an honor to share the court in front of her home crowd."

Gauff is scheduled to play Elise Mertens in the round of 16.