On March 24, 2026, Coco Gauff faced Belinda Bencic in the quarterfinals of the Miami Open, a significant match for Gauff as she aimed to advance further than she ever had in this tournament.
Gauff, who had previously never progressed beyond the Round of 16 at the Miami Open, showcased her skills in a tightly contested match that lasted 2 hours and 15 minutes. She ultimately triumphed with a score of 6-3, 1-6, 6-3, marking her first semi-final appearance at this prestigious event.
In the match against Bencic, Gauff fired down six aces but also struggled with five double faults, a reflection of her ongoing adjustments to her serve, which has been under scrutiny. Despite these challenges, Gauff expressed her satisfaction with her performance, stating, “I didn’t think I’d be in the semis, so I’m really happy and proud of myself.”
Turning 22 just ten days prior to this match, Gauff’s victory is a testament to her growth as a player. Currently ranked No. 4 in the world, she has achieved a career sweep of all 10 current WTA 1000 quarterfinals, further solidifying her status in women’s tennis.
Gauff’s journey to this point has not been without its hurdles. She recently dealt with an injury during the Indian Wells tournament, which led to her first MRI scan of her career. Describing the injury as “a nerve thing,” she noted that she felt occasional pain during matches. However, her resilience has shone through as she continues to perform at a high level.
Next, Gauff will face Karolína Muchová in the semi-finals, where she hopes to continue her impressive run at the Miami Open. Her coach emphasized the importance of mental strength, advising her to “remember who you are, and you’re a good player.”
This victory not only marks a personal milestone for Gauff but also highlights her potential to compete at the highest levels of the sport. As she prepares for the semi-finals, the tennis community will be watching closely to see how she builds on this success.