Coco Gauff felt like she was going to ‘pass out’ during shock defeat at China Open

Coco Gauff suffered her first defeat in six meetings with Elise Mertens - (AP)

Coco Gauff said she felt like she was going to faint during a surprise defeat at the China Open, bringing an end to a difficult week for the American after she was subjected to racist online abuse.

Gauff, the 2024 champion, had not lost to Elise Mertens in their five previous meetings but lost 6-3 6-3 in the fourth round in Beijing, her first straight-set defeat since February.