Coco Gauff addresses racist abuse after China Open loss
2 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Oct 7, 2026, 11:39 AM
Last updated Oct 7, 2026
Coco Gauff expressed her feelings of being drained from racist abuse experienced during the China Open following her exit in the Round of 16. Gauff cited a controversial moment in her match against Sun Xinran where she halted play due to a flickering light, ultimately winning that point. In her next match against Elise Mertens, Gauff struggled with eight double faults and 34 unforced errors, leading to a 6-3, 6-3 defeat. Gauff reflected on the impact of the online abuse, indicating it contributed to her subpar performance. Mertens will face Iga Swiatek in her next match.
- •Coco Gauff lost to Elise Mertens 6-3, 6-3 at the China Open.
- •Gauff received racist abuse after her match against Sun Xinran.
- •Gauff cited feeling drained by the online harassment.
- •Mertens will next play Iga Swiatek in the tournament.
- 11:39 AMThe Guardian Sport — Coco Gauff says online racist abuse during China Open was ‘draining’ after loss to Mertens
- 10:48 AMYahoo Sports — Coco Gauff calls racist abuse during China Open ‘draining’
"American involved in disputed point during tournament Gauff called out ‘insane’ amount of abuse online Coco Gauff said she had been left drained by the racist abuse she experienced during the China Open after losing in the last 16 to Elise Mertens. The American was dismayed earlier this week after an incident during her match against Chinese teenager Sun Xinran. The 16-year-old thought she had hit a winner late in the first set but Gauff had raised her hand to stop the point because she was distracted by flickering lights on the stadium’s advertising hoardings. The move prompted some boos from the crowd. The umpire agreed to have the point replayed, and Gauff went on to win 7-5, 6-1. Continue reading...
"Coco Gauff said she had been left drained by the racist abuse she experienced during the China Open after losing in the last 16. The American found herself at the centre of an online storm earlier this week after an incident during her match against Chinese teenager Sun Xinran.
Sources
External links- The Guardian SportOct 7, 2026, 11:39 AMCoco Gauff says online racist abuse during China Open was ‘draining’ after loss to Mertens
American involved in disputed point during tournament Gauff called out ‘insane’ amount of abuse online Coco Gauff said she had been left drained by the racist abuse she experienced during the China Open after losing in the last 16 to Elise Mertens. The American was dismayed earlier this week after an incident during her match against Chinese teenager Sun Xinran. The 16-year-old thought she had hit a winner late in the first set but Gauff had raised her hand to stop the point because she was distracted by flickering lights on the stadium’s advertising hoardings. The move prompted some boos from the crowd. The umpire agreed to have the point replayed, and Gauff went on to win 7-5, 6-1. Continue reading...
- Yahoo SportsOct 7, 2026, 10:48 AMCoco Gauff calls racist abuse during China Open ‘draining’
Coco Gauff said she had been left drained by the racist abuse she experienced during the China Open after losing in the last 16. The American found herself at the centre of an online storm earlier this week after an incident during her match against Chinese teenager Sun Xinran.
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