Coco Gauff says online racist abuse was ‘draining’ after China Open exit

American tennis star Coco Gauff, ranked world number four, was eliminated from the China Open in Beijing on October 7, 2026, losing 6-3, 6-3 to Belgium's Elise Mertens while double-faulting eight times. The 22-year-old had previously spoken out about the 'insane' amount of racist online abuse she received following her earlier win over Chinese teenager Su. Gauff described the racism as 'draining' and said it left her feeling exhausted during the tournament.