Victoria Azarenka Comments on Controversy During Coco Gauff’s China Open Match

Azarenka Responds to Controversial Call in Gauff's China Open Match

Coco Gauff won her third-round match at the 2026 China Open against Sun Xinran, but not without drama. During the first set, Gauff requested a video review after Xinran hit a winner, claiming that flashing LED screens distracted her during the point. The umpire agreed to replay the point, which Gauff won before going on to win the match 7-5, 6-1.

Sixteen-year-old Xinran appeared visibly shaken by the incident and failed to recover momentum, marking her first loss in a WTA main-draw match (now 2-1). Gauff faced harsh criticism online, including unacceptable social media abuse following the replay decision.

Victoria Azarenka Steps In

Former world number one Victoria Azarenka has offered her perspective, defending Gauff amid the controversy. The Belarusian legend, who has kept a low profile recently, spoke out to clarify the situation from her viewpoint.

Azarenka described video reviews as a relatively new part of tennis, acknowledging that some confusion will persist until clear rules and procedures are fully established. She pointed out that Gauff called for the review just before Xinran hit her forehand winner and emphasized that it’s the umpire’s job to manage such calls. She believes players like Gauff deserve understanding rather than blame.

"I don’t think it’s fair to assign bad intentions to anyone after this incident," Azarenka said, also expressing concern over the wave of online abuse Gauff received.

Azarenka’s stance suggests Gauff acted within the rules and didn’t merit the backlash. The American’s request for a replay was granted fairly, and if there is an issue with how replays work, the solution lies in adjusting the rules, not punishing players.

What’s Next for Coco Gauff at the China Open?

After this contentious win, Gauff is set to face Belgium’s Elise Mertens on Wednesday, October 7. Mertens, seeded 13th, advanced to the last 16 by defeating Katie Volynets and Jelena Ostapenko in three-set matches.

Coco Gauff’s Path to the Title

• First round (Bye): –
• Second round: Camila Osorio (ranked 66)
• Third round: Sun Xinran (ranked 582)
• Fourth round: Elise Mertens (ranked 19, [13] seed)
• Quarter-final potential opponents: Iga Swiatek (ranked 9, [8] seed), Iva Jovic ([10] seed)
• Semi-final potential opponents: Elina Svitolina (ranked 7, [6] seed), Ann Li ([21] seed)
• Final potential opponents: Mirra Andreeva (ranked 5, [4] seed), Linda Noskova ([5] seed), Karolina Muchova ([7] seed), Naomi Osaka ([12] seed), Ekaterina Alexandrova ([19] seed), Nikola Bartunkova ([26] seed)

Head-to-Head Records

Gauff and Mertens have faced each other five times, with Gauff leading 5-0. This history gives Gauff confidence heading into their upcoming match. If she advances, she could meet either Iga Swiatek or Iva Jovic in the quarter-finals. Though Gauff trails Swiatek 5-11 overall, she won their last four encounters and holds an undefeated record against Jovic this year.

Early exits by top seeds Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka mean Gauff avoids them in later rounds. Likely opponents include Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina in the semis and Russia’s Mirra Andreeva in the final. Gauff trails Svitolina 2-4 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

The China Open promises more exciting tennis ahead as Gauff aims to capture the title. Her next matches will be ones to watch closely.