Coco Gauff Defends Integrity After Online Abuse Over Beijing Video Review
American tennis star Coco Gauff faced a wave of online harassment and racist abuse following a disputed video review during her third-round match at the China Open in Beijing. The 22-year-old world No. 4 pushed back publicly against the comments, receiving high-profile backing from German tennis icon Boris Becker as the incident sparked widespread debate on social media.
The Disputed Point Against Sun Xinran
The controversy stemmed from Gauff’s match against 16-year-old Chinese player Sun Xinran at the Beijing tournament. Trailing 4-5 and facing 15-15 in the first set, Gauff moved to the net and raised her hand after a weak volley to signal that she had been distracted by flashing LED advertising boards lining the court perimeter. Following a video review, the chair umpire upheld her appeal, allowing Gauff to replay the point. She went on to hold serve, take the opening set, and close out the match 7-5, 6-1. During a subsequent changeover, television cameras captured Sun visibly emotional and fighting back tears.
Gauff Defends Herself Against Racist Social Media Abuse
The decision triggered heavy criticism across social media platforms, with some users directing severe abuse toward the American player. Addressing a racist comment on X, Gauff wrote: Hallo zusammen, ihr könnt mich nicht mögen oder anderer Meinung darüber sein, was passiert ist, ohne dabei rassistisch zu sein. Die Menge an rassistischen Kommentaren und Direktnachrichten, die ich in den letzten Stunden erhalten habe, ist wahnsinnig. Und noch einmal: Ich bin weder ein Betrüger noch ein Dieb.
She later reiterated on Instagram that she had acted strictly according to the rules and that the final call rested entirely with the chair umpire, expressing bewilderment at facing hostility for following established protocols.
Boris Becker Steps In With Public Support
Former world No. 1 and three-time Wimbledon champion Boris Becker amplified Gauff’s message by reposting her statement alongside an encouraging note. Du bist eine stolze schwarze Frau und wir lieben dich! Kümmere dich nicht um die Kommentare dieser ignoranten, dummen Leute und schau sie dir nicht an,
Becker wrote, adding that she was unique and should continue walking with her head held high. Gauff, who grew up in Atlanta, has previously used her platform to speak out against racism and systemic issues in the United States.
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