Home / Sports / Mertens Stuns Gauff at China Open Amidst Racist Abuse
Mertens Stuns Gauff at China Open Amidst Racist Abuse
7 Oct
Summary
- Elise Mertens defeated Coco Gauff 6-3, 6-3 to reach the China Open quarterfinals.
- Gauff, the World No. 4, experienced eight double faults and misjudged shots.
- Gauff revealed she received significant racist abuse online after her prior match.
Elise Mertens advanced to the China Open quarterfinals with a decisive 6-3, 6-3 victory over Coco Gauff on Wednesday. World No. 4 Gauff displayed an uncharacteristic performance, marked by errors and eight double faults, failing to recover from early setbacks.
The match occurred shortly after Gauff publicly condemned the "insane" amount of racist abuse she received online following her previous win. She had voiced her distress over hateful comments and messages on social media.
Mertens, ranked World No. 19, secured her win in 78 minutes and will next face Iga Swiatek. Swiatek, who also advanced with a commanding 6-1, 6-3 win over Iva Jovic, expressed confidence in her improving form.
Other notable matches in the tournament include China's Zheng Qinwen and Ukraine's Elina Svitolina, both scheduled to compete later on Wednesday.
