Coco Gauff says ‘insane’ wave of racist abuse followed disputed point at China Open

The Guardian Sport Tuesday 06 October 2026, 08:28 UTC By Associated Press 1 min read

Key Points

American stopped rally after being distracted in matchHome youngster Sun Xinran distraught after defeatCoco Gauff said she received an “insane” amount of racist comments on social media following a controversial point in her China Open match against home player Sun Xinran. Gauff stopped a rally after electronic advertising boards lining the court flickered during a point late in the first set of her 7-5, 6-1 third-round victory over Sun, a 16-year-old who recently won the US Open junior title.

American stopped rally after being distracted in match
Home youngster Sun Xinran distraught after defeat

Coco Gauff said she received an “insane” amount of racist comments on social media following a controversial point in her China Open match against home player Sun Xinran.

Gauff stopped a rally after electronic advertising boards lining the court flickered during a point late in the first set of her 7-5, 6-1 third-round victory over Sun, a 16-year-old who recently won the US Open junior title.

Coco Gauff (PERSON) China (LOCATION) American (ORG) matchHome (LOCATION) Sun Xinran (PERSON) Gauff (PERSON) Sun (ORG) US (LOCATION)

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