Coco Gauff says online racist abuse was ‘draining’ after China Open exit

What the report says

Coco Gauff said online racist abuse felt “draining” after her exit from the China Open in Beijing, where she lost 6-3, 6-3 to Belgium’s Elise Mertens in the women’s singles tournament. The 22-year-old American, ranked world number four, struggled in the match and committed eight double faults, describing her own performance as below her usual standard.

According to Al Jazeera’s report, Gauff’s comments came one day after she publicly criticized a wave of racist messages she received on social media following her earlier win over Chinese teenager Sun Xinran. She said the volume of abuse had been overwhelming, and the Women’s Tennis Association said it was appalled by the targeting of Gauff and was in contact with her to offer support. The WTA also said it was seeking action against the abusive content.

The report said the dispute began after Gauff questioned a point during her previous match because of flickering LED lights on the stadium’s advertising boards. The umpire ordered the point replayed, drawing some boos from the crowd, though Gauff later won that match 7-5, 6-1. Gauff clarified that she had raised the issue before Sun returned the ball.

Mertens advanced to face Iga Swiatek in the quarterfinals. The broader issue matters because it highlights continuing concerns about racism and abuse directed at athletes online, especially after controversial moments in competition.