Coco Gauff called for a controversial video review during her 7-5, 6-1 win over 16-year-old Sun Xinran at the China Open.
With Gauff serving to level the first set at 5-5, she began to protest after hitting a weak volley, having seen the LED screens change on the side of the court. Xinran hit a forehand winner, but the point was replayed, which Gauff won.
Many criticised Gauff for the incident, as the Chinese crowd booed the American. Xinran won only one more game after the video review, at 5-5, 15-15 in the first set.
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During her post-match press conference, Gauff delivered her verdict on the Chinese fans and her teenage opponent, who, even in defeat, impressed many.
Coco Gauff says the Chinese fans were ‘pretty respectful’ despite boos
“I knew they were going to be loud. But they were pretty respectful, honestly. The rowdiest I think I played was in Rome against Jasmine [Paolini] in the final. I’ve had experience,” said Gauff.
“Yeah, even that one point where I had to do the VR [Video Replay], I got a boo for half a second. I think they thought I was complaining about the crowd at first. Once they realized it was about the lights, I think they were okay.”
Gauff was then asked if it felt like she was competing against a younger version of herself, facing 16-year-old Xinran at the China Open.
“No, just because we play so different. Like, she plays a little bit more flatter. I mean, she’s really athletic, so I will say, on that point of getting a lot of balls back, probably. I feel like we play a little bit different. Didn’t feel like myself. Felt like I’m playing a girl who is going to be, like, a really great player for many years to come,” she said.
“Yeah, honestly, I think that took the pressure off of me because, knowing how good of a player she’s going to be, it’s like if I lose this match, obviously it’s going to be a big story, but in the grand scheme of things, even next year she’s going to be a great player. Five years from now, I’m going to look back and not feel so bad that I lost. Yeah, one of those players that you know is going to do well on tour. It’s just a matter of time.”
Live WTA Rankings
- 4. Coco Gauff – 5,974 points (22 yrs)
- 418. Sun Xinran – 145 points (16 yrs)
The world number four then shared how much she had seen of Xinran, the 2026 US Open junior champion, before their third-round clash in Beijing.
“Yeah, I think I only saw two matches of hers. Well, two and a half. I watched some highlights of the junior finals she played in US Open. Because she won her two matches on tour, sometimes I like to see my opponent lose so I know what to do. But she won that match. I watched the set that she lost. I think for me, even watching those matches, I had no idea how to play today!” said Gauff.
Coco Gauff vs Sun Xinran – Match stats
| Stats | Coco Gauff | Sun Xinran |
| Aces | 5 | 1 |
| Double faults | 4 | 3 |
| 1st Serve % | 60% | 51% |
| Win % on 1st Serve | 61% | 61% |
| Win % on 2nd Serve | 64% | 25% |
| Break points | 6/8 | 2/2 |
“My coach gave me a strategy. Honestly, I don’t even know if I really followed it. I was trying to figure her out. It’s so tough when you’re playing not even just young players, but players that don’t have a lot of video footage or statistics. WTA Tour going off of two matches of statistics, it means nothing.
“Today it was just about feeling. I was trying not to get frustrated out there. I knew she was going to play great tennis. I wasn’t surprised by the level at all. I think that was probably the best prep: just expecting her to play top-10, top-20 tennis, which I think she did.”
Gauff knows that Xinran has all the potential in the world, but she got the better of the Chinese youngster in their first career meeting. She will return to face Elise Mertens in the fourth round on Wednesday, October 7.
Sun Xinran thanks Chinese fans for their support in Beijing
“They support me really a lot. I can hear them. This really give me so big energy. I just want to say thanks to them. Hope you can support me in the future,” said Xinran during her post-match press conference.
Serena Williams’ former coach, Rick Macci, took to X after Gauff and Xinran’s match, praising the Chinese star, predicting she will be a top-20 player by the time she turns 18.
Xinran has a long way to go, but she certainly took an important first step in Beijing, winning her first two WTA Tour matches. The youngster defeated Eva Lys and Cristina Bucsa before coming up short against Gauff.
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