Coco Gauff Trends in India After China Open Replay Row and Racist Abuse Backlash

Why searches spiked in India on 7-8 October 2026

Search interest for coco gauff rose in India around 8 October 2026. The spike followed a turbulent China Open run in Beijing: a disputed replayed point against 16-year-old Sun Xinran, a wave of online racist abuse, a public response from Gauff, and a fourth-round loss to Elise Mertens. The tournament context and the WTA reaction helped sustain the conversation beyond the match result.

China Open third round and the replayed point

On 5 October, Gauff met wildcard Sun Xinran in the third round. Late in the first set electronic advertising boards flickered. Gauff signalled for play to stop, a video review was requested and the chair umpire ordered the point replayed. Gauff won the replay and went on to win the match. The decision drew strong reactions online, especially from viewers in China.

Online backlash and Gauff’s public response

After the win Gauff said she received a large volume of racist comments and direct messages. On X the next day she pushed back against the abuse while saying criticism of the on-court decision was permissible. She also said she had spoken to Sun after the match and apologised for the situation. The Times of India covered the statement and the controversy on 6 October.

Fourth-round exit to Elise Mertens and WTA support

Gauff played Mertens in the round of 16 on 7 October and lost 6-3, 6-3. She described the previous 36 hours as draining and said she had turned off her phone to move on. A WTA spokesperson said the governing body was appalled by the abuse, was in contact with Gauff to offer full support and was seeking action against abusive content. The BBC reported Gauff’s comments on the draining period ahead of the exit.

Context for Indian interest

The story combined a high-profile WTA event, a junior player debut, questions around video review use, and a broader debate on online abuse in tennis. Coverage of the controversy, the response on social media and the quick exit created a news cycle that mapped to the India search spike on 7-8 October.

• 5 Oct: win over Sun Xinran after replayed point
• 6 Oct: racist abuse reported, Gauff responds on X
• 7 Oct: loss to Elise Mertens, WTA statement
• 8 Oct: coco gauff trends in India

Sources: BBC Sport, Times of India