‘I'm not a cheater’: Coco Gauff hits back at racist abuse after China Open row

Coco Gauff has hit back at an “insane” wave of racist abuse on social media after her controversial China Open victory over home teenager Sun Xinran on Monday.The American, a two-time Grand Slam champion, defeated the 16-year-old 7-5, 6-1 to reach the fourth round in Beijing, but found herself targeted online after an incident late in the opening set.Gauff stopped play during a crucial rally after noticing a flickering advertising board courtside, just as Sun appeared poised to put away a winner. The chair umpire subsequently ordered the point to be replayed after a video review, and Gauff won the replay before holding serve to level the set at 5-5.Gauff responds to racist messagesThe incident triggered a backlash on social media, with Gauff saying she was subjected to a barrage of abusive messages following the match.