Coco Gauff's China Open nightmare ends after cheating accusations
New York Post • • sports
Key Points:
- Coco Gauff lost to No. 19 Elise Mertens 6-3, 6-3 in the China Open, marking her first straight-sets loss since February amid physical and emotional struggles.
- Gauff revealed she was low on energy and feeling unwell during the match, which was affected by recent racist abuse she received on social media following a controversial point in her previous match.
- The controversy stemmed from Gauff stopping play due to electronic advertising boards interfering mid-rally, a decision upheld by the chair umpire but which led to significant online backlash.
- Gauff condemned the racist comments publicly, emphasizing she is not a cheater and expressing how draining the abuse has been on her mental state.
- Mertens, motivated by her coach’s birthday, advanced to her first WTA 1000 quarterfinal in five years and will face Iga Swiatek next.
