Gauff Hits Back at Racist Abuse After China Open Victory

Coco Gauff has condemned a wave of racist abuse directed at her online after her controversial China Open victory over home player Sun Xinran in Beijing.

The American fourth seed defeated the 16-year-old Chinese teenager 7-5, 6-1 on Monday, October 5, to reach the fourth round of the tournament. However, the match became the centre of an online controversy after Gauff stopped play during a crucial first-set rally.

Disputed point sparks backlash

The incident happened while Gauff was serving at 4-5 in the opening set. During a lengthy rally, electronic advertising panels around the court appeared to flicker. Gauff raised her hand to stop play, believing the visual distraction had affected the point.

Sun appeared to be in a strong position to win the rally, leading to frustration when the chair umpire ordered the point to be replayed following a review. Gauff won the replayed point and subsequently held serve to level the set at 5-5.

Gauff then took control of the match, losing just one more game on her way to a straight-sets victory.

The American later explained that the decision was outside her control and that players are permitted to raise concerns when an external distraction interferes with play. She also said she apologised to Sun after the match and praised the teenager’s ability.

Gauff rejects cheating accusations

The disputed moment quickly spread across social media, where some users accused Gauff of deliberately stopping the rally.

The criticism escalated into racist abuse. Gauff responded by making clear that disagreement with her actions did not justify racist attacks.

She also rejected suggestions that she had cheated, explaining that the point had been handled according to the rules.

The controversy has once again highlighted the problem of online abuse directed at professional tennis players. A WTA and World Tennis study found that players and officials were subjected to more than 12,000 abusive posts and messages during 2025, underlining the scale of the problem across the sport.

Gauff shows support for Sun

Despite the controversy, Gauff also expressed sympathy for her young opponent.

Sun, who recently won the US Open junior title and was making her WTA Tour debut, appeared emotional after the defeat. Gauff said she understood the pressure of competing at a young age and described Sun as an exceptional talent.

The victory sends Gauff into the last 16 in Beijing, where she is scheduled to face Belgium’s Elise Mertens.

The episode leaves Gauff facing two very different narratives: a convincing performance that moved her deeper into the China Open, and an online backlash that has reignited concerns about racism and abuse in professional sport.