Coco Gauff Reaches Miami Open Semifinals with Impressive Win Over Bencic

Coco Gauff has advanced to the semifinals of the Miami Open after a challenging match against Belinda Bencic. The young American displayed her remarkable speed and resilience, overcoming a second-set setback to secure victory. Gauff's confidence in her abilities continues to grow as she aims for the title, making her a formidable contender in the tournament's final stages. Her performance not only highlights her athleticism but also her potential in other sports, sparking discussions about her speed beyond tennis. As she moves closer to the championship, Gauff carries both momentum and belief.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 25, 2026, 20:03 IST

Gauff's Remarkable Journey to the Semifinals

On March 24, Coco Gauff secured her spot in the semifinals of the Miami Open by defeating Belinda Bencic in a thrilling three-set match. Gauff triumphed with scores of 6-3, 1-6, 6-3, showcasing her tenacity and exceptional athleticism throughout the contest. The match featured a dynamic exchange, with Gauff starting strong before Bencic made a significant comeback in the second set. Nevertheless, the 20-year-old regained her focus in the final set, utilizing her renowned movement and defensive prowess to take control and finish the match. This performance highlighted her status as one of the most exciting talents on the WTA Tour.

Gauff's remarkable ability to chase down difficult shots has become a hallmark of her playing style. During her match against Bencic, she consistently transformed defensive plays into offensive opportunities, frustrating her opponent and prolonging rallies until she could capitalize on openings. Her exceptional court coverage, often regarded as among the best in tennis, proved crucial during key moments of the match.

After her victory, Gauff discussed one of the most frequently mentioned aspects of her game—her speed. In a conversation with reporters, she confidently asserted her belief that she is the fastest player on the tour. “I definitely think that on court I am the fastest,” Gauff stated in Miami. “People don’t like it when I say it, but I feel like I have enough tape to show that.”

She also contemplated how her speed could translate to other sports, particularly sprinting. “In the 100 meters, I feel I would be pretty good. Sloane [Stephens] is pretty fast when she is in her prime. Iga [Swiatek] is really fast. [Maria] Sakkari is fast,” she noted, referencing fellow players. “I think 100 meters is different. I feel I would definitely be in the top three or top four for sure,” she added.

While such comparisons are speculative, Gauff’s confidence reflects her growing self-assurance as she progresses on the tour. Her combination of speed, anticipation, and defensive intelligence continues to distinguish her, making her a challenging opponent on any surface. With her place in the semifinals confirmed, Gauff is now one step closer to claiming the Miami Open title, carrying both momentum and confidence as the tournament approaches its final stages.