On March 24, 2026, Coco Gauff faced off against Belinda Bencic in the quarterfinals of the Miami Open, a pivotal moment in her career. Just ten days after celebrating her 22nd birthday, Gauff entered the match with a determination to overcome her previous struggles at this tournament, where she had never advanced beyond the Round of 16.
The match began with Gauff showcasing her skills, ultimately defeating Bencic with a score of 6-3, 1-6, 6-3. This victory not only secured her a place in the semi-finals but also marked her first time reaching this stage at the Miami Open.
Gauff’s performance was notable for her aggressive serving, where she fired down six aces despite also recording five double faults. The match lasted for 2 hours and 15 minutes, demonstrating both players’ resilience and competitive spirit.
Currently ranked No. 4 in the world, Gauff has made significant strides in her career, achieving a career sweep of all 10 current WTA 1000 quarterfinals. She has previously claimed three WTA 1000 titles, including Cincinnati in 2023, Beijing in 2024, and Wuhan in 2025.
Prior to this match, Gauff had faced challenges, including an injury during the Indian Wells tournament that led to her first MRI scan. She described the injury as ‘a nerve thing’ and admitted to feeling occasional pain during her matches. However, her determination shone through as she expressed her happiness about reaching the semi-finals, stating, “I didn’t think I’d be in the semis, so I’m really happy and proud of myself.”
Looking ahead, Gauff is set to face Karolína Muchová in the semi-finals, a matchup that promises to be exciting. Her coach emphasized the importance of mentality in her performance, advising her to “remember who you are, and you’re a good player.” This advice seems to resonate with Gauff as she continues to build on her success.
The significance of Gauff’s journey at the Miami Open cannot be understated. It reflects her growth as a player and her ability to overcome obstacles, making her a prominent figure in women’s tennis. As she prepares for her next match, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how far she can go in this tournament.