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Coco Gauff reports racial abuse online after China Open match

3 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Oct 5, 2026, 9:41 PM

Last updated Oct 5, 2026

Coco Gauff reports racial abuse online after China Open match

Summary

Coco Gauff faced racial abuse on social media following her victory over Sun Xinran at the China Open on October 5. While serving at 4-5 in the first set, Gauff halted play due to flickering lights, allowing her to win the next three points and eventually take the set 7-5, 6-1. In a response on social media, Gauff addressed the racist comments she received after the incident, stating that the situation was beyond her control and that Sun understood her actions. Gauff emphasized that differences in opinion do not justify racism.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports BBC Sport

By the Numbers

•Gauff defeated Sun 7-5, 6-1 to advance at the China Open.
•She explained the decision to halt play was due to flickering lights.
•Gauff received many racist messages on social media after her win.
•She noted that Sun accepted her apology after the match.
•The WTA has called for collective action to tackle online abuse.

Latest Updates

11:01 PMYahoo Sports — Coco Gauff responds to receiving racist abuse for following tennis rules during China Open win
9:41 PMBBC Sport — Gauff condemns racist abuse after China Open win
9:33 PMYahoo Sports — Coco Gauff reports online racial abuse after China Open incident
9:30 PMYahoo Sports — Coco Gauff Fires Back At Racist Internet Troll After Defeating Teenager At China Open

What they're saying

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Coco Gauff has responded to receiving racist comments and direct messages for following the rules of tennis during a point at the China Open. Two-time Grand Slam champion Gauff defeated 16-year-old Sun Xinran 7-5, 6-1 on Monday to reach the round of 16 at the WTA 1000 event. But after being targeted with abuse online for stopping a point mid-rally, Gauff responded on social media, explaining the point in question by replying directly to a poster that used a racial slur against her. “Hey everyone
— Yahoo Sports

"
Coco Gauff has said she has been racially abused on social media following an incident in her win over Sun Xinran at the China Open. The world number four won 7-5, 6-1 against the 16-year-old from China to progress to the last 16 in Beijing.
— Yahoo Sports