Gauff says racist online abuse left her drained after China Open loss
The WTA says it is supporting the American player and seeking action against abusive content.
Coco Gauff said racist comments and messages online had left her feeling drained after her fourth-round exit from the China Open, where Elise Mertens beat her 6-3, 6-3 on Wednesday.
The abuse followed Gauff’s previous-round win over Sun Xinran. After that match, Gauff said on social media that people could disagree with her without being racist, and described the volume of racist comments and messages as “insane”.
The dispute arose when Gauff requested a review after stadium advertising lights flickered during a point. The umpire ordered the point replayed. Gauff later clarified that she had raised the issue before Sun returned the ball.
The Women’s Tennis Association said it was appalled by the racial abuse, was in contact with Gauff to offer support and was seeking action against the abusive content. It said racism, discrimination and abuse had no place in tennis.
Gauff said she had turned off her phone and moved on. She attributed her performance against Mertens to her own play, saying she had not moved well, and praised Mertens on the bigger points.
Mertens advanced to a quarter-final against Iga Swiatek.
