Coco Gauff Fires Back At Racist Internet Troll After Defeating Teenager At China Open

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Tennis star Coco Gauff is shutting down an internet troll who hurled a racist slur at her following her win at the China Open.

Gauff’s strong rebuke came hours after the 22-year-old challenged a call during her match against 16-year-old Sun Xinran, shifting the momentum and ultimately leading to her win.

Not only did Coco Gauff clap back at the internet troll and reveal that she’s received a flood of disheartening messages, but she also explained what happened on the court that led to so much commotion.

Coco Gauff Slams Nasty Internet Troll For Calling Her A Racial Slur On X

Just hours ago, X user @HHuotui mentioned Gauff in a deeply offensive post that called her a n***er. Gauff didn’t take long to respond, calling out the inappropriate behavior and pleading with fans to be kind.

“Hey everyone, you can dislike me or disagree about what happened without being racist,” she wrote. “The amount of racist comments/DMs I’ve received in the last few hours is insane. Lastly, I’m not a cheater or a thief.”

What Happened With Coco Gauff At The China Open In Beijing?

During Gauff’s intense match against 16-year-old Sun Xinran, the American tennis star challenged a play, saying the arena’s LED side panels flickered and distracted her.

Following review, the umpire deemed Gauff’s challenge successful and said the point must be replayed. The call, while controversial, was aligned with the rules. However, the decision left the Chinese tennis player visibly upset.

Gauff explained her position on Instagram, saying that, according to the rules, she’s allowed to continue play and challenge a call after the point is over. Gauff said that if she had lost the point, her opponent would’ve also had the right to challenge the call.

“It was an unfortunate situation, but it is out of my control. The think pieces and calling me unfair is ridiculous when those are the rules. I did not make them; I think it’s weird I’m getting hate for following the rules,” Gauff wrote online.

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Coco Gauff Previously Called Out Social Media Imposter

and while we are here, I will never ask people to send me money. I have been told there are a lot of accounts scamming people pretending to be me. I am not on Telegram or would communicate with people on whatsapp. Please DO NOT send money to “me” because I promise it’s not me.

This isn’t the first time that Gauff has used her social media presence and influence to spread awareness.

According to The Blast, in early September 2026, Gauff called out a social media imposter who allegedly messaged her fans and asked for money.

The X account previously shared pictures and posts as if it were Gauff, prompting the Florida native to respond, “Fake account, stop pretending to be.”

While Gauff had her followers’ attention, the New Balance athlete used the opportunity to warn them about the dangers of interacting with strangers online.

“And while we are here, I will never ask people to send me money,” she said. “I have been told there are a lot of accounts scamming people, pretending to be me. I am not on Telegram or would not communicate with people on WhatsApp. Please DO NOT send money to ‘me,’ because I promise it’s not me.”

Gauff Was Disappointed She Didn’t Win The US Open

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Before that, eyes were already on Gauff after she opened up about her heartbreaking loss to another notable tennis player, Elena Rybakina. The pair faced off in an explosive semifinal at the US Open.

“I mean, right now it sucks,” Gauff said about her elimination before revealing that her dad tried to cheer her up by mentioning her previous accomplishments.

Despite her father’s efforts, Gauff still struggled to process the loss, telling the media that she wants to “give myself as many opportunities as I can to lift the trophy.”

Gauff’s Mother Previously Called Out Family And Friends Hoping To Secure Comped Tennis Tickets

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In the summer of 2026, Gauff’s mother also made headlines after calling out family and friends for requesting comped tickets to see her daughter play.

“I apologize in advance for this blunt but necessary statement,” she wrote before adding that she was unable to “hook” people up for future matches.

“Coco is grown now, and she has her own friends that she is honoring tickets for the match,” she continued. “Thank you for your continued support.”

The Coco Gauff Fires Back At Racist Internet Troll After Defeating Teenager At China Open first appeared on The Blast