'I'm not a cheater or a thief': Coco Gauff calls out critics and reports online racial abuse
World No.4 Coco Gauff has defended herself after an "unfortunate situation" occurred during her third round match at the WTA 1000 Beijing Open.
The 22-year-old defeated Chinese local Xinran Sun 7-5, 6-1 on Centre Court.
But controversy struck towards the end of the opening set when Gauff was serving to stay in it at 4-5, as her opponent thought she had hit a winner until Gauff raised her hand to stop the point, explaining that a light in the side panels was flickering.
After a video review, the umpire ordered the point to be replayed. Gauff won the replayed point and held serve for 5-5 before the American dropped just one game thereafter.
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Gauff, who is an active user on social media, confirmed that she had read countless racist comments and scathing criticism, to which she attempted to explain her side of the story.
"When it flickered again I raised my hands before she hit her shot because this is when I was sure I saw the light flicker and it wasn't my mind doing tricks," she wrote on X.
The two-time major winner later added: "It was an unfortunate situation but it is out of my control. Xinran is incredible talent and player, I apologised for the situation at the end of the match and she completely understood."
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In a separate comment, Gauff called out an "insane" number of racist comments and direct messages she had received after the incident.
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