Pakistan, Oct. 7 -- American tennis star Coco Gauff said online racist abuse left her feeling drained after her China Open exit. The world number four lost to Belgium's Elise Mertens on Wednesday.

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Gauff struggled throughout the match and lost 6-3, 6-3 to Mertens. She committed eight double faults and described her performance as below her usual level.

The 22-year-old had faced heavy online abuse after defeating Chinese teenager Sun Xinran in the previous round. Gauff said she received numerous racist comments and messages following the match.

Gauff had challenged a point after noticing flickering advertising lights during her match against Sun. The umpire accepte...