Coco Gauff advanced to the fourth round of the China Open in Beijing with a commanding 7–5, 6–1 victory over 16-year-old Chinese prospect Sun Xinran, though the match was marked by a controversial video review that drew attention during play.
The American star’s dominant performance came despite the contentious replay moment that occurred during their third-round encounter. Gauff controlled much of the match, breaking down the teenage opponent with consistent play throughout both sets.
Crowd Reaction and Respect
Following her victory, Gauff addressed the atmosphere created by the home crowd in Beijing. “I knew they were going to be loud. But they were pretty respectful, honestly,” she reflected on the match experience. Despite audible boos from spectators supporting the local favorite, Gauff maintained that the crowd’s conduct remained within reasonable bounds for a competitive tennis environment.
The World No.4 also took time to acknowledge Sun Xinran’s potential after their on-court clash. Gauff’s assessment of the teenager’s future prospects aligned with predictions from her coach Rick Macci, who believes the Chinese player will break into the top 20 by age 18. Such early recognition from established players and coaching figures underscores the genuine talent Sun Xinran has already demonstrated on the professional circuit.
Gauff’s progression through the tournament continues her strong presence at one of tennis’s major Asian events. Her clinical performance against Sun Xinran, particularly her dominance in the second set, showcased the level of tennis required to compete at the highest ranks of the women’s game.