Belinda Bencic has jumped to the defence of Coco Gauff by describing the American’s style of play as ‘unique’ and believes there is too much criticism aimed at her.
The Swiss world No.12 spoke about her opponent ahead of the Charleston Open, where she is seeded third in the draw after Ekaterina Alexandrova and Jessica Pegula. Bencic has won two out of her seven Tour-level meetings against Gauff, with the most recent of those being last year in Indian Wells.
Their last meeting was earlier this month in Miami, where Gauff reached the final before falling to top seed Aryna Sabalenka in three sets. During her run, the American struggled at times with her serve. According to statistics provided by Flashscore, she hit 38 double faults across six matches played. This area of Gauff’s game has triggered criticism from some, but Bencic believes the amount being directed at her is excessive.
“She’s a tough opponent. We have some great matches every time we play, and it’s really admirable how she moves. You definitely feel like the court is much smaller. I like to attack, of course, and she makes it really hard,” the Swiss No.1 told reporters.
“Her serve is also very tough. I know she gets a lot of comments and this and that, but her serve is very good. It’s very fast when she puts it in. Of course, sometimes you can have some problems with the rhythm and everything, but I don’t think she should get so much negative comments because her game is very unique and a very different rhythm.”
Gauff, who is seven years younger than Bencic at the age of 22, has won 11 WTA titles during her career. This includes two Grand Slams at the 2023 US Open and 2025 French Open, where she beat Sabalenka on both occasions.
“She changes speed and spins and rhythm,” Bencic continued.
“She really can play everywhere in the court, and she’s also moving great. She’s obviously a very deserving No. 3 in the world.”
As for Bencic, she is hoping for yet another deep run in Charleston, which she won in 2022 before reaching another final 12 months later. Travelling on the Tour with her two-year-old daughter Bella poses its challenges. Nevertheless, she plans to make the most of the rest of her career.
“I also want to have more kids, so I don’t want to be playing forever,” she admits.
“I still have a lot of good years ahead of me, but definitely she’s my priority. If she needs to stay home and start to have a routine at home, then that’s it for me.”
Bencic’s opening match in Charleston will be against Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska.
Note: quotes via tennis.com and The Post and Courier
