American tennis player Coco Gauff was eliminated from the China Open following a 6-3, 6-3 defeat to Belgium's Elise Mertens. Gauff, 22, revealed she was subjected to an 'insane' amount of online racist abuse after a controversial officiating review in her win over Sun Xinran. The abuse had a significant impact on her, leaving her feeling exhausted.
Gauff announced she will skip next week's WTA 1000 Wuhan Open, where she was the defending champion, citing fatigue and the need for physical recovery. The WTA publicly condemned the abuse, confirming it is offering full support to Gauff and seeking action against offenders. Gauff's loss to Mertens was marked by an uncharacteristically listless performance, with eight double-faults.
During her previous match in Beijing, against Sun, Gauff requested a video review over flickering LED lights on the stadium's advertising hoardings. The move prompted some boos from the crowd. The umpire agreed to have the point replayed, and Gauff went on to win 7-5, 6-1. Gauff wrote on social media that the amount of racist comments and messages she received was "insane".
The WTA stated that there is "no place for racism, discrimination, or abuse in tennis" and that it is seeking action against the abusive content. Gauff also clarified that she challenged the point before Sun had returned the ball, when she noticed the lights flicker for a second time. The incident sparked widespread condemnation, with many calling for greater protection for players from online abuse.
Mertens was undeterred as she punched her ticket for a quarter-final clash against Iga Swiatek. The world number 19 called Gauff an "incredible player", adding that she knew it was going to be a very tough match. Mertens dedicated her win to her coach, who is also her boyfriend.
Earlier, Swiatek swept aside American teenager Iva Jovic 6-1, 6-3 in one hour and 35 minutes. In the night session, China's Zheng Qinwen pulled off another three-set victory to dispatch Alina Charaeva 6-1, 2-6, 6-4, ending a breakout week for the 118th-ranked player in which she beat freshly minted world number one Elena Rybakina.
Zheng Qinwen will face Ukraine's Elina Svitolina, the sixth seed, in the quarter-final. Zheng, the current world number 54, expressed her gratitude to the crowd, tearing up as the on-court interviewer reminded fans it was the day before Zheng's 24th birthday. Zheng said that everything had happened too fast, smiling as the crowd wished her "happy birthday" in unison.
Key points
- The WTA has condemned the online racist abuse directed at Coco Gauff and is seeking action against offenders.
- Coco Gauff has withdrawn from the upcoming WTA 1000 Wuhan Open due to fatigue.
- Zheng Qinwen has advanced to the quarter-finals of the China Open, set to face Elina Svitolina.
