Key Takeaways
- Coco Gauff explained that tournament protocol allowed her to play on before challenging the flickering LED boards, insisting “i’m not a cheater or a thief” regarding the replayed point against 16-year-old Xinran Sun.
- Gauff strongly condemned the backlash she received online, urging critics that “you can dislike me or disagree about what happened without being racist” after receiving a wave of abusive messages.
- The world No. 4 expressed sympathy for Sun’s emotional reaction, stating “I apologized for the situation at the end of the match and she completely understood” as she backed the teenager to enjoy a bright career.
Disputed replay against Xinran Sun sparks controversy
Coco Gauff has offered a detailed defense of her actions during her China Open clash against Xinran Sun, addressing the late-match drama and the disturbing racist abuse directed at her online following the contest.
The controversy unfolded in the closing stages of the opening set, when 16-year-old Sun led 5-4 and the score stood at 15-15 on Gauff’s serve. After losing the point, Gauff approached the chair umpire to report that the digital advertising boards along the court were flickering during the rally. The official reviewed the situation, ruled in Gauff’s favor, and ordered the point to be replayed. Gauff took full advantage, winning the replay, holding serve, and eventually sealing a 7-5, 6-1 victory over an emotional opponent.
Comparison table
| Entry | Value |
|---|---|
| Tuesday, 06 October 2026 at 07 | 56 |
| China Open WTA 2026: Results, Draw, Schedule, Entry List, History and Prize MoneyOct 05, 16 | 42 |
| China Open ATP 2026: Results, Draw, Schedule, Entry List, Prize Money and HistoryOct 05, 16 | 08 |
| Japan Open ATP 2026: Results, Draw, Schedule, Entry List, Prize Money and HistoryOct 05, 12 | 07 |
| Never miss a Tennis story again – Follow TennisUpToDate on Google!Sep 10, 08 | 42 |
| China Open ATP 2026: Results, Draw, Schedule, Entry List, Prize Money and HistoryOct 05, 16 | 08 |
| Japan Open ATP 2026: Results, Draw, Schedule, Entry List, Prize Money and HistoryOct 05, 12 | 07 |
| China Open WTA 2026: Results, Draw, Schedule, Entry List, History and Prize MoneyOct 05, 16 | 42 |
| Winner | $185,500 |
| Finalist | $114,500 |
| Semi-Finalist | $66,003 |
| Quarter-Finalist | $35,000 |
| Round of 16 | $18,045 |
| Round of 32 | $13,005 |
| Winner – | 500 |
| Finalist – | 325 |
| Semi-Finalist – | 195 |
| Quarter-Finalist – | 108 |
| Round of 16 | 60 |
| Round of 32 | 1 |
How the advertising board issue unfolded on court
Addressing the criticism that she should not have asked for the replay after play had stopped, the world No. 4 clarified the visual disruption she encountered during the point. “I saw it flicker in the beginning of the point but was not sure if that is what I actually saw,” Gauff explained.
Rather than stopping play instantaneously, the 22-year-old followed the guidance players receive regarding video challenges and technical issues. “We are told before the matches we are allowed to continue to finish play so keep it in mind,” Gauff said. “Anything can be challenged after the point is over.”
The American noted that the repeated glitch convinced her that an intervention was necessary. “When it flickered again I raised my hands before she hit her shot because this is when I was sure I saw the light flicker and it wasn’t my mind doing tricks lol,” Gauff wrote. “Of course if I would’ve lost the point my opponent is also free to do the same thing and ask for a replay and she would’ve have been completely in her right to do so.”
Strong response to online abuse and empathy for Sun
The situation escalated away from the court, where Gauff found herself targeted by severe online vitriol that extended beyond tennis tactics. “Hey everyone, you can dislike me or disagree about what happened without being racist,” Gauff stated. “The amount of racist comments/dms I’ve received in the last few hours is insane.”
Rejecting any assertion that she manipulated the match, the two-time Grand Slam champion stood firm on her integrity. “Lastly, i’m not a cheater or a thief,” Gauff emphasized, adding: “It was an unfortunate situation but it is out of my control. The think pieces and calling me an unfair is ridiculous when those are the rules. I did not make them.”
Despite the tension created by the ruling, Gauff expressed deep empathy and admiration for her young Chinese opponent. “Xinran is incredible talent and player. I apologized for the situation at the end of the match and she completely understood,” Gauff shared. “I did not like to see her so emotional as i’ve been there and I really understand what it is like but this is just the beginning of an incredible career.”
She also paid tribute to the atmosphere created by the local supporters in Beijing, concluding: “It was an honor to share the court in front of her home crowd.”
WTA Beijing - Cori Gauff's projected path
Gauff in Beijing, ranking, and results in 2026
Now ranked no.4, Coco has achieved a composed 47-14 win-loss record in 2026. Coco is now competing in Beijing where she managed to beat the world no.66 Maria Camila Osorio Serrano 7-6(4) 4-6 6-2 and the world no.582 Xinran Sun 7-5 6-1.
Cori Gauff will take on the world no.19 Elise Mertens in the 4th round. Their current record is 5-1 for Gauff.
Coco clinched 1 title in 2026 in Cincinnati.
The American won 13 titles in her career: 9 on hard courts, 2 on clay courts and 2 on indoor courts. (See the list of her titles)
