The short version
- Coco Gauff was eliminated from the China Open after losing to Elise Mertens, attributing her poor performance to exhaustion and distraction.
- The defeat followed a wave of racist online abuse directed at Gauff after she halted play during a previous match due to flickering stadium lights.
- The Women's Tennis Association condemned the harassment and stated it is seeking action against the abusive content while offering support to the player.
Coco Gauff’s run at the China Open ended in the fourth round on Wednesday, marked by a decisive defeat to Belgium’s Elise Mertens. The American star lost the match 6-3, 6-3, displaying a level of play that fell significantly short of her usual standards. Gauff committed 34 unforced errors and eight double faults throughout the contest, struggling to sustain intensity or movement on the court. She described her physical state as flat and lacking energy, noting that she felt close to passing out during the match.
The poor performance followed a turbulent few days for the 22-year-old, who described the period as draining. The distress stemmed from an incident during her third-round victory over 16-year-old Chinese player Sun Xinran. Late in the first set of that match, Gauff raised her hand to halt play after noticing flickering lights on the stadium’s advertising panels. Although Sun believed she had hit a winner, the umpire agreed to replay the point after a video review confirmed the distraction. Gauff went on to win the point and the match, which ended with scores of 7-5, 6-1.
The decision to stop play drew boos from sections of the crowd and sparked intense backlash online. Gauff reported receiving an insane volume of racist comments and direct messages in the aftermath. She took to social media to address the harassment, firmly stating that she is not a cheater or a thief. The American clarified that she had challenged the point before Sun returned the ball, emphasizing that her actions were based on legitimate safety concerns regarding the lighting conditions.
The Women’s Tennis Association responded swiftly to the situation, expressing that it was appalled by the racial abuse directed at Gauff. A spokesperson confirmed that the governing body is in contact with the player to offer full support. Additionally, the WTA stated it is actively seeking action against the abusive content circulating online. The organization’s stance highlights the ongoing challenges athletes face regarding digital harassment and the need for institutional protection.
Despite the emotional toll, Gauff attempted to compartmentalize the incident before facing Mertens. She told reporters that she turned off her phone to move on, acknowledging that there was little she could do to control the online narrative. However, the psychological weight appeared to manifest physically during the match against Mertens. Gauff admitted she did not play well and failed to execute key shots, allowing Mertens to capitalize on big points.
Mertens, who defeated Gauff in straight sets, will advance to the quarter-finals where she is scheduled to face Iga Swiatek. The Polish star, a six-time major champion and eighth seed, secured her spot by defeating American teenager Iva Jovic 6-1, 6-3. Swiatek’s victory was dominant, showcasing the high level of competition remaining in the tournament as the field narrows.
Gauff has historically performed well in Beijing, having won the title in 2024 and reaching the semi-finals the previous year. Her early exit this year stands in contrast to her strong record in China. The combination of external harassment and internal physical struggles created a perfect storm that derailed her campaign. While she did not explicitly link the abuse to her on-court errors, the timing and her comments about being drained suggest a significant impact.
The incident underscores the broader issue of online toxicity in professional sports. Athletes are increasingly exposed to vitriol from global audiences, often with little recourse for protection. The WTA’s commitment to seeking action against abusers is a step toward addressing this problem, but the immediate effect on players like Gauff remains profound. As the tournament continues, the focus shifts to the remaining contenders, but the controversy surrounding Gauff’s exit will likely linger.
Looking ahead, Gauff must recover from both the physical and mental fatigue associated with this tournament. Her ability to bounce back will be tested in future events, particularly as she navigates the remainder of the season. The support from her team and the WTA will be crucial in helping her regain confidence and form. For now, the China Open moves forward without one of its top stars, leaving a void in the draw that other players may find difficult to fill.
The quarter-final matchup between Mertens and Swiatek promises to be a compelling contest. Both players have shown strong form throughout the tournament, with Mertens benefiting from Gauff’s struggles and Swiatek displaying her characteristic dominance. The outcome of this match could shape the final stages of the China Open, setting up potential semi-final clashes that will determine the eventual champion. All eyes now turn to these upcoming matches as the tournament reaches its climax.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC Sport↗'Draining' few days for Gauff after online racist abuse
- The Guardian US↗Coco Gauff says online racist abuse during China Open was ‘draining’ after loss to Mertens
