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Coco Gauff condemns online racism after disputed China Open point

Two-time Grand Slam champion Coco Gauff advanced to the fourth round of the WTA 1000 China Open with a 7-5, 6-1 victory over 16-year-old Chinese player Sun Xinran. The match, however, became the center of controversy when Gauff halted play during a critical point in the first set after flickering LED boards on the court disrupted the rally.

Despite following the rules by requesting a replay, Gauff faced a barrage of racist abuse online, prompting her to address the backlash publicly. The incident has reignited discussions about online harassment in sports, particularly targeting athletes of color who adhere to the game’s protocols.

Gauff’s response underscored the emotional toll of such criticism, even when actions are rule-compliant and justified by the circumstances of the match.

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