Sports
Gauff knocked out of China Open amid racist abuse over disputed point
October 7, 2026 at 12:39 PM · Updated 9d ago
Coverage
4 reports · over 3 hours
AJAl Jazeera English
Coco Gauff says online racist abuse was ‘draining’ after China Open exit
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BNBBC News
China Open: Coco Gauff on 'draining few days' after online racist abuse
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TGThe Guardian
Coco Gauff says online racist abuse during China Open was ‘draining’ after loss to Mertens
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ESESPN
Gauff falls to Mertens to end challenging week at China Open
(opens the publisher’s site)Coco Gauff has exited the China Open after losing to Elise Mertens, following racist abuse she received online over a disputed point.
- Gauff lost 6-3, 6-3 to Elise Mertens on Wednesday, ending her run in the round of 16 at the China Open.
- Gauff had received an "insane" amount of racist messages after a point against Sun Xinran was replayed, writing "I'm not a cheater or a thief."
- Gauff said the abuse was "draining" and that she planned to turn off her phone and move on.
- The WTA said it was "appalled" by the racial abuse directed at Gauff and has been in contact with her.
- Gauff committed 34 unforced errors in the loss and described her performance as 'a bit flat'.