Coco Gauff calls out 'insane' racist remarks after disputed point
Coco Gauff said she was bombarded by an “insane” amount of racist comments on social media after winning a controversial point at the China Open on Monday in Beijing.
Coco Gauff, the 22-year-old American tennis star, expressed her frustration over the surge of racist remarks on social media following a controversial point during her match against Sun Xinran at the China Open in Beijing on Monday. The incident occurred when the electronic boards along the court flickered during a first-set rally, leading to confusion.
Gauff halted the play, but Sun Xinran, a 16-year-old Chinese player, appeared to win the point. The chair umpire ruled to replay the point. Gauff, who is Black, said in a reply on X, "The amount of racist comments/DMs I've received in the last few hours is insane." Despite winning the match 7-5, 6-1, Gauff received numerous racially charged comments and direct messages.
In an Instagram post, she explained that the point was stopped according to the rules and that she didn't make them. She also apologized to Sun Xinran, acknowledging that it was her first WTA Tour debut as a wild-card entry in the tournament. Gauff emphasized that she did not cheat or steal and that the think pieces and accusations of unfair play were ridiculous.
Sun Xinran, a rising talent, expressed her understanding of the situation and acknowledged Gauff's incredible career.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
