Sports · Tennis · 1 day ago
UN condemns racist online abuse of Coco Gauff after China Open match
American tennis player Coco Gauff faced racist online abuse after a disputed point in her China Open match against China's Sun Xinran.
Gauff had stopped play because a flickering advertising board distracted her opponent, and the umpire ordered the point to be replayed after reviewing video.
Gauff won the match 7-5, 6-1, but the dispute led to racist comments online.
She said people could disagree with her without using racism.
The UN Human Rights office condemned the abuse and called on players, coaches, sports bodies and fans to oppose racism and sexism in sport.
A WTA and World Tennis study found more than 12,000 abusive social media posts and messages targeting players in 2025, up from about 8,000 the year before.
Gauff's China Open run ended in the round of 16 with a loss to Elise Mertens, while the abuse renewed calls for stronger protections for athletes.
The UN Human Rights office condemned racist online abuse directed at Coco Gauff after her China Open match against Sun Xinran.
The abuse followed a disputed point in Gauff’s 7-5, 6-1 win.
Gauff said disagreement over a sporting decision did not justify racism.
The UN called on sports organisations, players and fans to oppose racist and sexist abuse.
A study cited by India Today found more than 12,000 abusive posts and messages targeting players in 2025.
- Who
- Coco Gauff was targeted; the UN Human Rights office condemned the abuse.
- What
- Gauff faced racist online abuse after a disputed point in her China Open match against Sun Xinran.
- When
- After the match; the UN issued its statement on Saturday.
- Where
- The match was at the China Open in Beijing; the abuse was posted online.
- Why
- The abuse followed a disputed point in which Gauff stopped play over a flickering advertising board.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Racist messages such as those targeting tennis player Coco Gauff online are appalling and illustrate that Black female athletes are specifically targeted for vitriol and racial abuse.
There is no place in sport for racial or sexist slurs and abuse. Players, coaches, and sports bodies need to stand up for those facing such attacks and fans need to push back against those who sully sport with racism and sexism
You can dislike me or disagree about what happened without being racist
Gauff stopped play over a flickering advertising board, and the chair umpire ordered the point replayed after a video review.
Gauff beat Sun Xinran 7-5, 6-1, and racist comments followed online.
The UN Human Rights office condemned the abuse and called for action against racism and sexism in sport.
Gauff lost to Elese Mertens in the round of 16, ending her China Open campaign.
- Match result
- Gauff beat Sun Xinran 7-5, 6-1
- Disputed incident
- Gauff raised a concern about a flickering advertising board
- UN response
- Condemned the racist online abuse
- Abusive messages
- More than 12,000 posts and messages targeting players in 2025
- Tournament exit
- Gauff lost to Elese Mertens in the round of 16
Sources
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