The American tennis star received what she called an "insane" amount of racist comments and direct messages after her match against 16-year-old Chinese player Sun Xinran on Monday.
The controversy began late in the first set when Sun appeared to hit a winning shot. Gauff, however, raised her hand to stop play after noticing a flickering light in the side panels surrounding the court.
Following a video review, which players are permitted to request, the point was replayed. Gauff won the replayed point and eventually went on to secure victory.
The 22-year-old later shared a lengthy statement explaining what had happened and condemned the racist messages she received afterward.
Gauff returned to action on Wednesday but was defeated 6-3, 6-3 by Belgium's Elise Mertens in the fourth round. Speaking about the emotional impact of the previous 36 hours, Gauff admitted that the experience had been difficult.
"It has been kind of draining, I'm not going to lie," she said. "I just turn off my phone and move on. I mean, there's nothing you can do."
The Women's Tennis Association also condemned the abuse directed at Gauff. A spokesperson said the organization was appalled by the comments and was in contact with the tennis star to offer its full support.
The governing body also said it was seeking action against the abusive content.
Gauff, who won the China Open title in Beijing in 2024, struggled to find her best form against Mertens. She committed 34 unforced errors and eight double faults during the match.
"I was just a bit flat. That's the main thing," Gauff said afterward. "The level was there at some points, I just didn't sustain it the whole match."
Mertens advanced to the quarter-finals, where she will face former world No. 1 Iga Swiatek. The six-time Grand Slam champion defeated American teenager Iva Jovic 6-1, 6-3.
Elsewhere, Britain's Arthur Fery advanced at the Shanghai Masters with a 7-6 (7-2), 6-1 victory over Marin Cilic. Fery recovered from a break down in the opening set before taking control in the second to secure his first ATP Tour win since August.
The 24-year-old will next face Russia's 26th seed Karen Khachanov.
