Gauff Reports Racist Abuse After China Open Win

Coco Gauff said she received racist comments and direct messages after her China Open third-round win over Sun Xinran, following a disputed point late in the first set. Gauff won 7-5, 6-1. The chair umpire ordered the point replayed after Gauff stopped play, saying flickering electronic advertising boards had distracted her. Gauff described the abuse in posts on X, saying people could disagree with her without resorting to racism. She also rejected accusations that she had cheated or stolen the point. The accounts provided do not independently establish the content or scale of the abuse she reported. The dispute arose during a rally with Gauff serving at 5-4 in the first set. Gauff raised her hand and stopped play after noticing the boards flicker; Sun appeared poised to hit a potential winner. The chair umpire reviewed the incident and ordered a replay. Gauff won that point and held serve, then went on to take the set and the match. Gauff later said she had apologized to Sun after the match and described her as a talented player. She also said she understood why Sun had become emotional during the incident, adding that she had experienced similar feelings herself.