Defending champion Coco Gauff saw her campaign at the China Open come to an end in the fourth round on Wednesday, just days after enduring a barrage of racist abuse on social media. The 22-year-old American fell to a straight-sets 6-3 6-3 defeat against Belgium's Elise Mertens, later describing the preceding 36 hours as an emotionally exhausting period that left her struggling to maintain intensity on the court.
Controversial Video Review Sparks Online Harassment
The hostile reaction stemmed from an incident in Gauff's previous contest against China's Sun. Late in the opening set, Sun believed she had struck a clean winner to claim a pivotal point. However, Gauff raised her hand during the rally to stop play, pointing out a flickering light on the digital side panels surrounding the court surface. Under tournament regulations, players are permitted to request a video review of such incidents.
Following the official video review, the umpire ruled that the point had to be replayed. Gauff went on to win the replayed point and eventually secured the match victory. Following that contest, the 22-year-old published an extensive statement outlining the circumstances of the stoppage and openly condemning the racist abuse directed at her online in the aftermath. When questioned about the toll the situation took over the following 36 hours, Gauff acknowledged that it had been kind of draining, explaining that she copes by switching off her device and moving forward because there is little else one can do.
Tennis Authorities Demand Action Over Abuse
The treatment directed at Gauff drew sharp condemnation from the Women's Tennis Association. A spokesperson for the governing body stated that the organisation was appalled by the online abuse and confirmed it had reached out directly to Gauff to offer full support. In a statement provided to the AFP news agency, the governing body emphasized that it was actively seeking action against the offensive posts and accounts responsible for targeting the athlete.
Costly Errors Doom Title Defense Against Mertens
Having claimed the Beijing crown in 2024 and reached the semi-finals last year, Gauff struggled to find her usual rhythm during Wednesday's fourth-round clash. The American racked up 34 unforced errors and eight double faults over the two sets, allowing Mertens to dictate terms. Reflecting on her performance, Gauff noted that she felt somewhat flat throughout the match, explaining that while her quality showed in brief spells, she was unable to sustain that level over the entire contest.
Quarter-Final Lineup Takes Shape in Beijing
With her victory over the reigning champion, Belgium's Elise Mertens moves into the quarter-finals to take on former world number one Iga Swiatek. The six-time major champion earned her spot in the final eight with a commanding 6-1 6-3 victory over American teenager Iva Jovic. While the tournament progresses, the handling of player protection against digital harassment remains a critical focus across the sport.
