Coco Gauff has spoken out against a barrage of racist abuse she received on social media after her controversial China Open victory over Chinese teenager Sun Xinran in Beijing. The American defeated the 16-year-old 7-5, 6-1 to reach the fourth round, but came under fire online after a crucial first-set point was replayed following her complaint about a flickering advertising board. Gauff later said the level of racial abuse directed at her was “insane” and insisted she had not cheated.
The controversy erupted when Gauff raised her hand during a lengthy rally with the score at 5-4, claiming the electronic advertising boards had flickered and distracted her. Sun was about to hit a potential winner when Gauff stopped play. Following a video review, the chair umpire ruled that the incident constituted an external hindrance and ordered the point to be replayed. Gauff won the replayed point and eventually held serve before taking control of the match.
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