Coco Gauff Announces a Major Move as She Admits Online Racist Abuse Left Her “Drained” After Her China Open Exit
Coco Gauff Withdraws From Wuhan Open After Beijing Struggles
Gauff has now decided to withdraw from the Wuhan Open, where she was set to return as the defending champion. The 22-year-old cited fatigue and said her body needs time to recover.
“I’m disappointed to withdraw from Wuhan, especially as the defending champion. I always love playing there. After a long year, my body needs some time to rest and recover. I look forward to returning next year.
The decision comes after Gauff visibly struggled during her 6-3, 6-3 loss to Mertens in Beijing. Trailing 6-3, 4-1, the American could be heard telling her camp that she was struggling to keep going.
“I have no energy. I’m trying, I have no energy. I can’t see the ball, I feel like I’m going to pass out,” Gauff said. “I’m going to just try to finish the match.”
No one from Gauff’s team could be heard responding directly on the broadcast. Four games later, the match was over, giving Mertens her third top-10 win of 2026 and handing Gauff her first straight-sets defeat since February.
Coco Gauff said the online racist abuse she suffered was “draining” as she exited the China Open.
The 22-year-old, who lifted the Beijing title in 2024, was subjected to what she called an “insane” volume of racist comments and direct messages following a controversial incident during her third-round victory over China’s Sun Xinran on Monday.
She exited the fourth round to Belgium’s Elise Mertens, 6-3, 6-3.
Speaking after her defeat to Mertens, Gauff admitted the abuse had taken its toll.
Gauff said: “It has been kind of draining, I’m not going to lie.
“I just turn off my phone and move on. I mean, there’s nothing you can do.”
The flashpoint occurred late in the opening set of Gauff’s match against the 16-year-old Sun, who believed she had struck a winning shot.
A video review was subsequently carried out, and the point was ordered to be replayed, which Gauff went on to win and ultimately the match.
In the aftermath, the American published a detailed statement setting out her account of events before condemning the torrent of racist abuse that followed.
She wrote: “I think it’s weird I’m getting hate for following the rules.
“We are told before the matches we are allowed to continue to finish play so keep in mind I am thinking about all this while I’m playing the point.
“Anything can be challenged after the point is over. If I would’ve lost the point my opponent is also free to do the same thing and ask for a replay.
“It was an unfortunate situation but it is out of my control. Xinran is an incredible talent and player. I apologised for the situation at the end of the match and she completely understood.”
Gauff continued: “You can dislike me or disagree about what happened without being racist.
“The amount of racist comments/direct messages I’ve received in the last few hours is insane. Lastly, I’m not a cheater or a thief.”
The Women’s Tennis Association condemned the abuse directed at Gauff, with a spokesman confirming the organisation had contacted the player “to offer our full support”.
The governing body told AFP it was “seeking action” against the abusive content.
On court, Gauff’s performance against Mertens was undermined by 34 unforced errors and eight double faults.
Speaking afterwards, Gauff said: “I was just a bit flat. That’s the main thing. The level was there at some points; I just didn’t sustain it the whole match.”
