Victoria Azarenka reacts to controversial incident in Coco Gauff’s last match, ‘I don’t think that makes it fair’
Victoria Azarenka has defended Coco Gauff following the backlash Gauff received for requesting a video review during a match at the China Open. Azarenka argued that the umpire is responsible for such decisions and that players should not be unfairly targeted for using the rules.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the growing pains of integrating new technology and video review systems into professional tennis.
Coco Gauff defeated Sun Xinran in the third round of the 2026 China Open.
During the first set, Gauff called for a video review after Xinran hit a winner, arguing that the flashing LED screens at the side of the court had distracted her. The umpire told Gauff and Xinran to replay the point. Gauff won the replayed point and won the match 7-5, 6-1.
16-year-old Xinran was visibly upset after the incident and never recovered, and lost her first WTA Tour main-draw match (now 2-1). Gauff was heavily criticised and received unacceptable social media abuse.
Former world number one Victoria Azarenka has now come to Gauff's defence, delivering her verdict on the video replay drama at the China Open.
Belarusian tennis legend Azarenka has spent time away from the public eye , but stepped back into the limelight to share her thoughts on the controversy in Beijing.
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