Story perspectives

Coco Gauff advances after replay amid racist abuse backlash

By Drooid · Oct 6, 2026, 11:14 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Gauff Wins, Faces Abuse

Coco Gauff defeated Sun Xinran 7-5, 6-1 in the China Open round of 16.
A flickering advertising board halted a rally at 4-5, 15-15, prompting a hindrance call and video replay.
Gauff won the replayed point, closed set 7-5, and posted on X about receiving “insane” racist comments.
The WTA reported over 12,000 abusive social-media posts targeting players in 2025.
Gauff will meet Belgium’s Elise Mertens in the fourth round.

Summary

Charaeva Upsets Rybakina

Alina Charaeva, ranked 118, eliminated world No. 1 Elena Rybakina in the China Open second round.
Alina Charaeva became only the ninth player outside the top-100 to defeat a world No. 1 in WTA history.
Elena Rybakina said she had little sleep and recovery after winning the U.S. Open title.
Alexander Zverev, top seed and U.S. Open champion, dispatched wildcard Shang Juncheng 6-0, 6-3 to reach quarterfinals.

History

Historical Context

In 2014 the WTA Tour, overseen by the WTA and the International Tennis Federation for Grand Slam events, featured Serena Williams as Player of the Year following her French Open campaign. That season Williams led earnings with $8.8 million, and the visibility of such matches spurred the WTA and ITF to later create digital-safety monitoring programs.

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Gauff Wins, Faces Abuse

Coco Gauff defeated Sun Xinran 7-5, 6-1 in the China Open round of 16.
A flickering advertising board halted a rally at 4-5, 15-15, prompting a hindrance call and video replay.
Gauff won the replayed point, closed set 7-5, and posted on X about receiving “insane” racist comments.
The WTA reported over 12,000 abusive social-media posts targeting players in 2025.
Gauff will meet Belgium’s Elise Mertens in the fourth round.

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