- Coco Gauff has been knocked out of the China Open in the fourth round following a surprise 6-3 6-3 defeat to Elise Mertens, marking her first loss against the Belgian player in six career meetings.
- The 2024 champion struggled physically throughout the match, making 34 unforced errors including eight double faults, and was overheard telling her support team that she had no energy and felt as though she was going to pass out.
- The loss followed an emotionally draining period for Gauff, who was subjected to a barrage of racist online abuse after stopping a point due to a visual distraction during her previous win over local player Sun Xinran.
- Addressing the online hostility prior to her defeat, Gauff condemned the racist comments directed at her on social media before opting to turn off her phone to move on from the incident.
- 13th seed Mertens advances to face 2023 champion Iga Swiatek in the quarter-finals, whilst Gauff will next look to defend her title at the WTA 1000 event in Wuhan.
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