Coco Gauff racist abuse has become the center of a heated online controversy after the American tennis star was targeted following her China Open victory over 16-year-old Sun Xinran.
Gauff defeated the Chinese teenager 7-5, 6-1 in Beijing on October 5, advancing to the fourth round. However, the match became controversial after Gauff stopped a point during the opening set because electronic advertising boards were flickering in her line of sight.
A Disputed Point Sparks Backlash
Sun appeared to be on course to win the point when Gauff raised her hand and stopped play. After a video review, the chair umpire determined that the point should be replayed.
Gauff won the replayed point and eventually took control of the match. The decision nevertheless triggered intense criticism online.
According to the WTA’s official match report, Gauff praised Sun after the match and acknowledged the difficult moment for the young Chinese player.
The rules also provide important context. The ITF rules on hindrance state that a point can be replayed when a player is hindered by something outside her control.
Gauff Responds to Racist Messages
After the match, Gauff addressed the online reaction directly. She said she had received an “insane” amount of racist comments and direct messages.
Gauff made a clear distinction between legitimate sports criticism and racial abuse. She also rejected accusations that she had deliberately cheated during the disputed exchange.
Her response comes as professional tennis continues to confront a broader online-abuse problem. The WTA’s latest online-abuse report says more than 12,000 abusive posts were identified during the 2025 season, including racist, violent and threatening content.
Why the Controversy Matters Beyond Tennis
The incident highlights how quickly a disputed sporting decision can become something much more serious on social media.
Criticism of an umpire decision or a player’s conduct is part of competitive sport. Racist attacks, however, cross a fundamentally different line.
The WTA safeguarding program specifically recognizes online abuse and harassment as a player-safety concern. Tennis authorities have also developed monitoring systems designed to identify abusive accounts and escalate serious cases.
Gauff’s experience shows why those efforts remain important. The CBS News report on the incident confirmed that the abuse followed the disputed replay decision, rather than any separate misconduct by the American.
Gauff Keeps Her Focus on Tennis
Despite the controversy, Gauff continued to show respect toward Sun. She apologized for the difficult situation and praised the teenager’s potential.
Gauff now moves forward in Beijing, while the episode raises a larger question for tennis: how can the sport protect players from online racism without silencing legitimate debate?
The WTA’s earlier abuse report shows that tennis has already invested heavily in tackling the problem. For Gauff, however, the message is simpler: fans can disagree with her without attacking her race.
The Reuters report captures the central issue clearly: a controversial tennis moment should never become an excuse for racial abuse.
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