American tennis star addresses intense social media harassment following a controversial ruling in Beijing.
American tennis professional Coco Gauff admitted to experiencing a draining period after facing a massive wave of online racist abuse. The incident unfolded during her third round match at the prestigious China Open tournament held in Beijing, according to information published by BBC.
The controversy began when Sun Xinran believed she hit a winner, but Gauff stopped play due to a flickering court light. Following an official video review, the point was replayed, and Gauff ultimately secured the victory, which triggered severe backlash online.
Despite turning off her phone to cope with the harassment, the 22 year old athlete struggled in her next match. She was defeated in straight sets by Belgium player Elise Mertens, exiting the tournament earlier than expected.
Coco Gauff faces racist abuse after China Open match
The alarming volume of hateful comments and direct messages targeted the American player following her win over 16 year old Sun Xinran. Gauff published a lengthy statement detailing the court events before condemning the vile racist remarks directed at her on social media platforms.
Reflecting on her mental state during the 36 hours before her next match, Gauff confessed that the situation felt entirely draining. She explained that her primary coping mechanism involves simply turning off her device and attempting to move forward.
WTA responds and offers support to the player
Representatives for the Women's Tennis Association issued a strong statement expressing deep shock regarding the targeted abuse. The governing body confirmed ongoing communication with Gauff to provide comprehensive personal and professional support.
Furthermore, the organization stated that officials are actively seeking appropriate action against the creators of the abusive online content. Protecting athletes from digital harassment remains a critical priority for tennis officials worldwide.
On-court struggles lead to tournament exit
Beyond the mental toll of the online harassment, Gauff delivered an uncharacteristically flat performance against Elise Mertens. During the match, the defending champion committed 34 unforced errors and eight double faults, falling 6-3, 6-3.
Gauff noted that while glimpses of her competitive level appeared during the match, she failed to sustain that momentum throughout. Meanwhile, Mertens advanced to face former world number one Iga Swiatek in the quarter finals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Coco Gauff face online racist abuse?
Coco Gauff received racist abuse online after halting a point against Sun Xinran due to a flickering light, which resulted in a video review and a replayed point that Gauff ultimately won.
How did Coco Gauff perform after the incident?
Following the online harassment and a draining 36 hours, Coco Gauff suffered a 6-3, 6-3 defeat against Elise Mertens in the fourth round of the China Open.
What did the WTA say about the abuse?
The Women's Tennis Association stated it was appalled by the abuse directed at Gauff, offered full support, and announced it was seeking action against the abusive content.
