Gauff Stops Play Over Flickering Board, Then Confronts Racist Abuse
The Coco Gauff China Open controversy began during her third-round match against Sun Xinran in Beijing, when a flickering electronic advertising board prompted Gauff to stop a point mid-rally. The chair umpire reviewed the moment on video and ordered the point replayed. Gauff won that replayed point, held serve to level the first set at 5-5, and went on to win the match 7-5, 6-1.
Why Gauff Stopped the Point
Gauff said she noticed the light flicker early in the point. She was not certain at first what she had seen, but when the board flickered again, she raised her hand to stop play. By then, Sun appeared ready to win a long rally.
After the match, Gauff explained that the rules allowed for a point review. She added that if Sun had been distracted by the same light, she could have asked for a replay as well. Gauff also said she apologized to Sun and that Sun understood.
Racist Abuse Arrives Within Hours
The win did not end the matter. Within hours of the final point, Gauff received racist messages online. She responded early Tuesday, saying the volume of racist messages was insane. Gauff stated plainly that she is not a cheater or a thief and that she followed the rules when challenging the point.
She described the experience as draining. Her approach to such abuse, she said, is to turn off her phone and move on.
Tennis Legends Defend Gauff
Chris Evert, an 18-time Grand Slam singles champion and former WTA president, posted a defense of Gauff on X. Evert asked why haters were attacking Gauff, said Gauff did everything within the rules, and called her genuine, thoughtful, and humble. Evert added that everyone in the tennis world loves Gauff.
Martina Navratilova backed Evert, saying haters will hate and calling the reaction ridiculous. Brad Gilbert voiced agreement. Gauff thanked her supporters.
Sun Xinran's Breakthrough and Gauff's Respect
Sun Xinran had recently won the US Open junior title and entered the China Open on a wild card. Beijing was her WTA Tour debut on home soil. She became the youngest player to win multiple main-draw matches at the China Open since 2004.
Gauff praised Sun, calling her performance the beginning of an incredible career. She said facing Sun in front of a home crowd was an honor and that she felt for Sun because she had been in the same position herself. Sun appeared distraught after the match.
Loss to Mertens and Wuhan Withdrawal
Gauff’s run in Beijing ended in her next match, a loss to Elise Mertens. She then withdrew from the upcoming Wuhan Open, citing rest and recovery after a long stretch. Gauff won the Wuhan Open title last year and cannot defend it this year.
WTA Monitoring and the Wider Issue
The WTA uses an AI system to monitor social media involving thousands of players and officials. The abuse directed at Gauff highlights the broader scrutiny athletes face after matches.
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