Unforced Errors Cost Gauff in Quarterfinal Exit
Elise Mertens defeated Coco Gauff, 6-3, 6-3, Wednesday to reach the China Open quarterfinals in Beijing. The Belgian earned her first victory in six meetings against Gauff, who committed 34 unforced errors.
Mertens Ends Five-Match Losing Run Against Gauff
ESPN News Services covered Mertens’ breakthrough against Gauff, who had won their previous five head-to-head encounters. The Belgian completed the fourth-round victory in 78 minutes, advancing after a straight-sets performance against the American.
Gauff committed 34 unforced errors against Mertens’ 11, while their double-fault totals finished eight and two, respectively. Four of Gauff’s double faults came in the final game of the opening set, which Mertens won 6-3.
Image from: NBC Sports
Double Faults Hurt Gauff in Opening Set
The opening-set finish highlighted Gauff’s serving difficulties, with four double faults contributing to her decisive service break. Afterward, Gauff acknowledged feeling flat and said her movement and overall performance fell below expectations.
“I think today I was just a bit flat,” Gauff said. “I just didn’t play well. I think I wasn’t moving well. There were a lot of things I didn’t do well.”
Gauff Addresses Racist Abuse After Sun Match
Gauff received racist messages online following a disputed point during Monday’s victory over Chinese teenager Sun Xinran. Electronic advertising boards flickered during a rally, prompting Gauff to stop play before the umpire ordered a replay.
Gauff subsequently condemned the racist messages, distinguishing legitimate disagreement over the ruling from discriminatory attacks against her. Asked about the abuse after Wednesday’s defeat, she described the experience as draining but did not assign sole blame.
“It has been kind of draining, I’m not going to lie,” Gauff said. “I just turn off my phone and move on. There’s nothing you can do.”
American Condemns Racist Online Messages
The umpire ordered a replay after reviewing the advertising-board interruption during Gauff’s earlier match against Sun. Gauff won the replayed point, but subsequent online criticism included racist messages that she publicly challenged.
“Hey everyone, you can dislike me or disagree about what happened without being racist,” Gauff wrote. “The amount of racist comments/dms I’ve received in the last few hours is insane. Lastly, I’m not a cheater or a thief.”
Mertens Recognizes Gauff’s Energy Drop
Gauff told her team she had no energy while trailing Mertens 4-1 during the second set. Mertens also noticed her opponent’s declining energy but said she remained wary of Gauff’s competitive ability.
The Belgian’s steadier error count provided a measurable contrast with Gauff’s struggles across the two-set contest. Mertens committed 11 unforced errors against Gauff’s 34, completing her first career victory over the American.
“I kind of felt like she was dropping a bit in energy,” Mertens said. “I tried to push myself. But I know she’s a great competitor. It’s never done against her.”
Error Gap Shapes Straight-Sets Victory
Mertens faced only one break point during the match and converted four opportunities against Gauff’s serve. Those figures offer further context for the result without assuming the online abuse directly determined Wednesday’s outcome.
Gauff Withdraws From Wuhan Open
Gauff withdrew from the upcoming Wuhan Open hours after her Beijing defeat, citing her need for physical recovery. The American had won the previous Wuhan title and was scheduled to return as its defending champion.
Her statement attributed the withdrawal to the demands of a long season, without identifying a specific injury. The decision followed her admission of low energy in Beijing, although she did not establish a single cause.
“After a long year, my body needs some time to rest and recover,” Gauff said in a statement quoted by the tournament.
Defending Champion Prioritizes Recovery
Gauff’s withdrawal removed the defending champion from Wuhan’s field before the tournament’s scheduled October 12 opening. Her explanation emphasized rest and recovery, rather than confirming any new medical diagnosis following the Beijing defeat.
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Mertens Earns Major China Open Quarterfinal Opportunity
Mertens advanced to the China Open quarterfinals after ending a five-match losing streak against Gauff on Wednesday. The result also marked another significant win against elite opposition during her 2026 singles campaign.
Iga Swiatek awaited Mertens in the quarterfinals after defeating American teenager Iva Jovic, 6-1, 6-3, on Wednesday. Mertens had previously beaten Jasmine Paolini in Rome and Elena Rybakina at Wimbledon earlier that season.
Swiatek Awaits Mertens in Beijing
The Swiatek matchup offered Mertens another high-profile test immediately after her first career win over Gauff. At the time of Wednesday’s result, her quarterfinal place was confirmed, while the next match remained unplayed.
“She’s an incredible player, of course. I knew it was going to be a very tough match,” Mertens said. “But I had motivation. My coach/boyfriend, it’s his birthday tomorrow, so this win is dedicated to him and all the work we do.”
Analytical Breakdown: Smart Tennis Paid Off
Mertens stayed disciplined while Gauff struggled physically, allowing the Belgian to control exchanges without chasing unnecessary winners or increasing risk. The 34-11 unforced-error difference proved decisive, while Gauff’s eight double faults prevented her from finding stability through service games. Against Swiatek, Mertens must preserve that patience because stronger movement and defensive coverage will punish rushed attacks and careless positioning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won between Coco Gauff and Elise Mertens?
Elise Mertens defeated Coco Gauff, 6-3, 6-3, to advance into the China Open quarterfinals.
Had Mertens beaten Gauff before the China Open?
No, Gauff had won all five previous meetings before Mertens earned her first victory against the American.
How many unforced errors did Coco Gauff make?
Gauff committed 34 unforced errors and eight double faults, compared with Mertens’ 11 errors and two double faults.
Why did Coco Gauff withdraw from the Wuhan Open?
Gauff said her body needed time to rest and recover following a long season of competition.
Who was Elise Mertens scheduled to play next?
Mertens was scheduled to face six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek in the China Open quarterfinals.
Disclaimer: Headline Image from The Washington Post.
