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Victoria Azarenka Responds to Controversy in Coco Gauff’s China Open Match

During the third round of the 2026 China Open, Coco Gauff triumphed over Sun Xinran with a score of 7-5, 6-1. The match included a disputed moment when Gauff requested a video review after Xinran secured a winning shot. Gauff argued that flashing LED screens near the court distracted her during the point. The umpire decided the point should be replayed, which Gauff then won.

Sixteen-year-old Xinran appeared upset following the incident and was unable to regain momentum, resulting in her first loss in a WTA Tour main draw match, now standing at 2-1. Gauff faced heavy criticism online, including unacceptable abuse on social media.

Victoria Azarenka Defends Gauff Amid Backlash

Former world number one and two-time Grand Slam champion Victoria Azarenka has stepped forward to defend Gauff. She explained that video reviews are a relatively recent addition to tennis and admitted confusion will persist until clearer rules and procedures are established.

Azarenka also addressed the timing of Gauff's challenge—just before Xinran struck the forehand winner—emphasizing that managing such situations is the umpire's duty. Players like Gauff deserve understanding rather than harsh judgment.

"I don’t think it’s fair to assign bad intentions to anyone," Azarenka said, noting the wave of online abuse Gauff endured.

Azarenka made it clear she believes the criticism aimed at Gauff was undeserved since Gauff’s request for a video review was legitimate. The message seems clear: if the rules feel unfair, those should be changed, not the players penalized.

Next Opponent and Gauff's Path at the China Open

Following this contentious win, Coco Gauff is set to face Belgium’s Elise Mertens on October 7. Mertens, seeded 13th, defeated Katie Volynets and Jelena Ostapenko in three sets to reach the last 16.

Coco Gauff's Potential Matchups at the China Open

  • First round (Bye): No opponent
  • Second round: Camila Osorio (Rank 66)
  • Third round: Sun Xinran (Rank 582)
  • Fourth round: Elise Mertens (Rank 19, Seed 13)
  • Quarter-final: Iga Swiatek (Rank 9, Seed 8), Iva Jovic (Seed 10)
  • Semi-final: Elina Svitolina (Rank 7, Seed 6), Ann Li (Seed 21)
  • Final: Mirra Andreeva (Rank 5, Seed 4), Linda Noskova (Seed 5), Karolina Muchova (Seed 7), Naomi Osaka (Seed 12), Ekaterina Alexandrova (Seed 19), Nikola Bartunkova (Seed 26)

Head-to-Head Records Against Upcoming Opponents

Gauff and Mertens have met five times, with Gauff winning every encounter. She likely feels confident about advancing to the quarter-finals, where she might face Iga Swiatek or Iva Jovic. Although Gauff trails 5-11 against Swiatek overall, she has won their last four matches. Against Jovic, Gauff remains undefeated, having beaten her twice this year.

With the early exits of top seeds Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka, Gauff avoids facing them in later rounds. Instead, she may meet Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina in the semi-finals and Russia’s Mirra Andreeva in the final. Gauff is 2-4 against Svitolina but leads Andreeva 6-0.

Remaining Top Seeds at the 2026 China Open

  • 3 Coco Gauff
  • 4 Mirra Andreeva
  • 6 Elina Svitolina
  • 7 Karolina Muchova
  • 8 Iga Swiatek
  • 10 Iva Jovic
  • 13 Elise Mertens
  • 19 Ekaterina Alexandrova
  • 21 Ann Li
  • 26 Nikola Bartunkova

Time will reveal whether Coco Gauff can claim the China Open title, but the upcoming matches promise excitement.

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