Coco Gauff has responded to the controversy surrounding her China Open match against Xinran Sun, insisting that she did not act unfairly when she asked for a point to be replayed after noticing the LED advertising boards flickering during the rally.
The incident occurred late in the opening set, with Sun leading 5-4 and 15-15 on Gauff's serve. Gauff lost the point but then raised the issue with the chair umpire, who reviewed the situation and ruled in the American's favor. The point was replayed, Gauff won it and eventually held serve before taking the set 7-5.
The decision visibly affected 16-year-old Sun, who became emotional before struggling through the second set as Gauff completed a 7-5, 6-1 victory. The incident subsequently led to criticism of Gauff online, with some questioning whether she should have asked for the replay.
Gauff has now offered her most detailed explanation of the incident while also addressing the racist abuse she received afterwards. The American argued that she followed the procedures players are given before matches and that the final decision was never in her hands.
Gauff explains what she saw during the rally
Gauff said she noticed the advertising boards flickering early in the point but initially could not be certain that what she had seen was actually happening. "I saw it flicker in the beginning of the point but was not sure if that is what I actually saw," Gauff explained.
She then pointed to the instructions players receive before matches, arguing that there was no requirement for her to immediately stop the rally. Instead, she said players are allowed to finish the point and challenge the situation afterwards.
"We are told before the matches we are allowed to continue to finish play so keep it in mind," Gauff said. "Anything can be challenged after the point is over."
@tmlfcc @slice_szn They didn’t show this on the broadcast review, coco put her hands up immediately after they flickered, so maybe she didn’t even see the earlier flickers https://t.co/8FBESLhw31
— ♥️ (@VenusGauff) October 5, 2026
The American added that she was still thinking about the potential issue while the rally continued. She only became certain that the lights had actually flickered when she saw it happen again.
"When it flickered again I raised my hands before she hit her shot because this is when I was sure I saw the light flicker and it wasn't my mind doing tricks lol," the world No. 4 wrote. "Of course if I would've lost the point my opponent is also free to do the same thing and ask for a replay and she would've have been completely in her right to do so.”
That distinction was central to Gauff's defense of the decision. Rather than arguing that she had been awarded the point outright, she maintained that she had simply asked officials to review an incident covered by the tournament's rules.
Coco Gauff of United States celebrates the win of the match during the 2026 US Open
Gauff responds to criticism and racist abuse
The controversy did not end when the match finished. Gauff said the criticism became particularly difficult when some reactions moved beyond disagreement with her actions and into racist abuse.
"Hey everyone, you can dislike me or disagree about what happened without being racist," Gauff wrote. "The amount of racist comments/dms I've received in the last few hours is insane."
@HHuotui https://t.co/ibmUEz84Qk
— Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) October 5, 2026
The American also rejected accusations that she had deliberately manipulated the situation to gain an advantage. "Lastly, i'm not a cheater or a thief," the 2-time Grand Slam champion added.
Gauff acknowledged that the situation was unfortunate, but said she could not control the existence of the rules or the decision ultimately made by the officials. "It was an unfortunate situation but it is out of my control," she said. "The think pieces and calling me an unfair is ridiculous when those are the rules. I did not make them."
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The 22-year-old also made clear that she had no desire to see Sun suffer because of the incident. "Xinran is incredible talent and player. I apologized for the situation at the end of the match and she completely understood,” Gauff wrote. "I did not like to see her so emotional as i've been there and I really understand what it is like but this is just the beginning of an incredible career."
Gauff also described the occasion as a memorable one despite the controversy surrounding the match, particularly given the atmosphere created by Sun's home crowd. "It was an honor to share the court in front of her home crowd," Gauff concluded.
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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