“Why are the ‘haters’ attacking Coco Gauff?”: Chris Evert backed by Martina Navratilova amid Beijing controversy

Friday, 09 October 2026 at 00:30

Coco Gauff has received public backing from two of tennis's biggest legends after a difficult week in Beijing, with Chris Evert defending the American and Martina Navratilova quickly joining her. Their support comes after Gauff became the target of intense online criticism and racist abuse following a controversial moment during her China Open victory.

The issue centred on a point against Chinese teenager Sun Xinran when Gauff stopped play after noticing flickering lights from the electronic advertising boards around the court. The chair umpire reviewed the situation and ordered the point to be replayed, with Gauff eventually winning the match 7-5, 6-1.

What followed went far beyond disagreement over the decision. Gauff said she received an “insane” amount of racist comments and direct messages, while insisting that she had followed the rules and had not cheated. The controversy continued into her next match, after which the American admitted that the abuse had been draining.

Gauff subsequently lost 6-3, 6-3 to Elise Mertens in the last 16 and withdrew from the Wuhan Open, where she was due to defend her title, citing fatigue after a long season. The situation has now prompted Evert and Navratilova to publicly stand behind the two-time Grand Slam champion.

Evert defends Gauff as Navratilova joins in

Evert made her position clear on Thursday, questioning why Gauff had attracted such hostility while stressing that she believed the American had acted within the rules. Her comments also went beyond the tennis decision itself, defending Gauff's character amid the backlash.

“Why are the ‘haters’ attacking @CocoGauff? She did everything within the rules. Honestly, Coco is the most genuine, thoughtful, humble human being you’ll ever find. She is loved by everyone in the Tennis world. It’s really disturbing to see her going through this turmoil.”

Why are the "haters" attacking @CocoGauff ? She did everything within the rules. Honestly, Coco is the most genuine, thoughtful, humble human being you'll ever find. She is loved by everyone in the Tennis world. It's really disturbing to see her going through this turmoil.#kindness
— Chris Evert (@ChrissieEvert) October 8, 2026

The former world No. 1's post was quickly supported by Navratilova, who replied directly to Evert with an equally blunt assessment of the reaction surrounding Gauff.

“Haters are gonna hate. It’s ridiculous- agree with you 💯”

Brad Gilbert, Gauff's former coach, also reacted to Evert's message, adding his own brief support.

“Well said 😎🙏”

@ChrissieEvert @therapyworksBC @CocoGauff Haters are gonna hate. It’s ridiculous- agree with you 💯
— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) October 8, 2026

Gauff has consistently maintained that players are allowed to continue a point and raise a distraction afterward, while the umpire ultimately decided that the flickering boards constituted a hindrance outside the players' control.

The 2-time Grand Slam champion also apologised to Sun after the match and stressed that she understood why the situation had been upsetting for the 16-year-old making her WTA debut. Sun appeared emotional after the defeat, but Gauff said the Chinese teenager understood her explanation.

Gauff steps away after difficult Beijing week

The timing of the support is particularly notable because Gauff's week in Beijing eventually ended with her withdrawing from Wuhan. She had entered the China Open as the third seed and defending champion, but her campaign ended in the fourth round against Mertens after an unusually flat performance.

Gauff later acknowledged that the events surrounding the controversy had taken a toll, although she also accepted responsibility for her performance against Mertens. “It has been kind of draining, I’m not going to lie. I just turn off my phone and move on. There’s nothing you can do.”

Gauff cups her hands to her ears and gestures to the crowd.

Coco Gauff of United States celebrates the win of the match during the 2026 US Open

She also described feeling a lack of energy during the match itself and told her team at one stage that she had no energy and felt as though she might pass out. Mertens eventually completed the 6-3, 6-3 victory, ending Gauff's China Open campaign.

Gauff's decision to skip Wuhan means she will not defend the title she won there last year. The WTA 1000 event begins on October 12 and runs through October 18, while Gauff's next expected appearance will come later in the season.

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For now, the most immediate development is the support she has received from figures with enormous experience in the sport. Evert questioned the criticism directed at Gauff, Navratilova dismissed it as ridiculous, and Gilbert added his own endorsement.

The original disputed point may have lasted only a few seconds, but its consequences have followed Gauff long after the match ended. With the American now stepping away from Wuhan, two of the most influential figures in tennis history have made their position clear: disagreement over a decision is one thing, but the abuse directed at Gauff went far beyond the boundaries of tennis criticism.

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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