Coco Gauff says online racist abuse during China Open was ‘draining’ after loss to Mertens

American involved in disputed point during tournament

Coco Gauff says online racist abuse during China Open was ‘draining’ after loss to Mertens

TL;DR

  • Coco Gauff experienced racist abuse on social media after a disputed point during her China Open match.
  • She described the abuse as "draining" and believes it affected her subsequent performance.
  • Gauff lost to Elise Mertens in the last 16, admitting she felt "flat" and "didn't play well".
  • The Women's Tennis Association condemned the racial abuse and offered support to Gauff.