Coco Gauff Receives Racist Messages After Madrid Open Exit
American tennis star Coco Gauff has spoken out against racist abuse directed at her online following her loss in the Round of 16 at the Mutua Madrid Open. Gauff revealed she received hateful messages from gamblers on her social media accounts, prompting her to address the issue publicly.
Loss at the Madrid Open and Subsequent Abuse
Gauff was defeated by Linda Noskova in the Round of 16, with a score of 6-4, 1-6, 7-6(5). Following the match, she began receiving racist messages, particularly from individuals who had placed bets on her winning. Gauff shared a clip on TikTok, set to music by Young M.A., addressing the “angry gamblers saying racist things” in her Instagram comments and direct messages, hiding behind anonymous accounts.
Public Response and Support
Gauff’s decision to call out the abuse garnered significant support online. Fans expressed outrage at the racist comments, with some stating the language used was exceptionally offensive. Many called for social media platforms to take action against the anonymous accounts sending the abusive messages.
Health Concerns During the Tournament
Gauff’s performance at the Madrid Open was also impacted by a health issue. She experienced a medical timeout during her previous match against Sorana Cirstea, and vomited on court, but still managed to secure a victory. The incident was part of a wider trend of players experiencing illness during the tournament, with Iga Swiatek, Marin Cilic, and Madison Keys also withdrawing due to illness, potentially linked to a virus or food poisoning.
Oysters and Recovery
Despite her recent illness, Gauff shared a post on Instagram showing her enjoying oysters in Cannes, France. This sparked some reaction from fans, given her recent health scare during the Madrid Open. She is expected to participate in both singles and doubles (with Caty McNally) at the upcoming Italian Open, and will also be defending her French Open title next month.
Investigation into Illness at Madrid Open
The Madrid Open saw several players fall ill, leading to speculation about the cause. Some players suggested that shrimp tacos may have been the source of the problem. The tournament organizers have not yet released an official statement regarding the cause of the illness.
Key Takeaways
- Coco Gauff faced racist abuse online after her loss at the Madrid Open.
- Several players, including Gauff, experienced illness during the tournament.
- Gauff is currently in Cannes, France, and preparing for upcoming tournaments.