Overview
- During her China Open third-round match on Monday, Gauff stopped play after side advertising LED panels flickered and the chair umpire ordered the point to be replayed.
- Within hours of that replayed point Gauff said she received an “insane” volume of racist comments and direct messages on social media and publicly condemned the abuse.
- Two days later Gauff lost 6-3, 6-3 to Elise Mertens in the China Open fourth round, telling her team on court that she had “no energy” and felt she might “pass out.”
- Following the defeat Gauff announced she would withdraw from the Wuhan Open to rest and recover, and the WTA said it was appalled by the abuse and is seeking action against the content.
- The episode has focused attention on how hindrance reviews work, on flickering LED advertising near courts, on player welfare during digital harassment, and on social platforms’ speed in removing racist content.