Coco Gauff has hit back at a wave of racist abuse she received online following her controversial China Open victory over home favourite Sun Xinran. 

The American star defeated the 16-year-old Chinese player 7-5, 6-1 on Monday to reach the fourth round in Beijing.

But the match sparked controversy after Gauff stopped play during a crucial point in the opening set.

Gauff raised her hand after being distracted by flickering advertising boards around the court. Sun appeared to be heading towards a winner, but after a review, the umpire ordered the point to be replayed.

Gauff won the replayed point and eventually took control of the match.

The decision triggered a huge reaction online, with Gauff saying she received an “insane” amount of racist comments and direct messages.

“You can dislike me or disagree about what happened without being racist,” Gauff wrote on social media. “Lastly, I’m not a cheater or a thief.”

Gauff also explained that she had followed the rules and later apologised to Sun, who she said understood the situation.

The WTA has since condemned the abuse, saying there is “no place for racism, discrimination, or abuse in tennis” and that it was in contact with Gauff to offer support.

The incident comes as online abuse of tennis players remains a growing concern. A WTA-linked study recorded more than 12,000 abusive posts and messages targeting players and officials in 2025.

Gauff has since exited the China Open after losing 6-3, 6-3 to Elise Mertens in the last 16 and has withdrawn from the Wuhan Open, saying the past few days had been draining and that her body needed time to rest.