Coco Gauff has advanced to the fourth round of the China Open after overcoming home favourite Sun Xinran in a hard-fought match that attracted attention both on and off the court.
The American fourth seed defeated 16-year-old Sun 7–5, 6–1, winning nine of the final 10 games to secure her place in the last 16. The victory continues Gauff’s strong record in Beijing, where she has now reached the fourth round for the fourth consecutive year.
However, the match was followed by controversy after Gauff stopped play during an important point because of a flickering advertising board that distracted her. The umpire ordered the point to be replayed, and Gauff later said she had followed the rules. She also apologised to Sun after the match.
Gauff has since spoken out against the racist abuse she received online following the incident, saying criticism is acceptable but racism is not. The 22-year-old will now face Elise Mertens in the fourth round as she continues her bid for another deep run in Beijing.
Main image: The Guardian
