Coco Gauff advanced to the China Open round of 16 in Beijing on Monday after defeating 16-year-old Sun Xinran 7-5, 6-1. Following a disputed video review over flickering LED boards during a critical first-set point, Gauff condemned a subsequent wave of racist abuse on social media, declaring I’m not a cheater or a thief
.
Monday night’s match at the National Tennis Center brought together the world No. 4 and a local teenager who captured the US Open junior title. Gauff ultimately pulled away late by winning nine of the final 10 games in a contest lasting one hour and 29 minutes, but the athletic achievement was swiftly overshadowed by controversy on the court and harassment online.
Gauff and Sun Clash Over LED Review
The turning point arrived late in a fiercely contested first set as Gauff served while trailing 4-5. During a long rally, Sun appeared poised to strike a cross-court winner that would have brought her within two points of securing the opening set.
Before Sun could connect with her shot, Gauff raised her hand to halt play, pointing out that the electronic advertising boards flanking the court had flickered. Under current regulations, players are permitted to request video reviews of specific judgment calls, including claims that visual distractions interfered with play.
The chair umpire reviewed the incident and ruled in Gauff’s favor, ordering the point to be replayed. Gauff won the replayed point, held serve to level the score at 5-5, and went on to claim the opening set 7-5.
Gauff later explained her perspective on social media, noting that she had noticed the boards flickering earlier in the rally. I saw it flicker in the beginning of the point but was not sure if that is what I actually saw,
she shared in a post on X. When it flickered again I raised my hands before she hit her shot because this is when I was sure I saw the light flicker and it wasn’t my mind doing tricks.
The two-time Grand Slam champion noted that players are instructed prior to matches that they are permitted to finish playing out a rally and subsequently challenge judgment calls. She emphasized that requesting the review was entirely within the official rules set by the WTA Tour and out of her control.
Racist Abuse Targets Gauff Online
While some spectators and commentators debated the fairness of the hindrance rule, the online reaction quickly crossed into targeted harassment. Gauff revealed on Tuesday that she was subjected to an insane
volume of abusive messages and racial slurs.
You can dislike me or disagree about what happened without being racist. The amount of racist comments/direct messages I’ve received in the last few hours is insane. Lastly, I’m not a cheater or a thief.
Coco Gauff, via X
The tennis community rallied around the American player following her statement. You’re special and one of a kind! Keep walking straight with your head held up high!
Becker wrote on X.
Gauff Praises Sun Xinran After Match
Following the conclusion of the match, Gauff approached her opponent at the net. Sun, who became visibly emotional after dropping the first set, was praised by the veteran champion for her performance.
Xinran’s an incredible talent and player, I apologized for the situation at the end of the match and she completely understood. I didn’t like to see her so emotional as I’ve been there and I really understand what it’s like but this is the beginning of an incredible career. It was an honour to share the court in front of her home crowd.
Coco Gauff
Gauff also offered a technical assessment of the 16-year-old’s style to reporters after the match, noting that the Chinese teenager hits the ball very flat and compares favorably to established players on tour. She can get a lot of balls back and play aggressive. She hits it real flat. Kind of reminds me of Jess a little bit,
Gauff told reporters. She added that Sun was more mature than she herself had been at 16 years of age.