Coco Gauff, the third-seeded favorite and America’s rising tennis sensation, witnessed her dreams of clinching a maiden Indian Wells title unexpectedly fizzle out in the round-of-16. The abrupt end came courtesy of the Swiss player, Belinda Bencic, who staged an impressive comeback to seal victory with a 3-6 6-3 6-4 scoreline after a thrilling encounter that spanned over two hours and 20 minutes.
Gauff began the match on a high note, securing an early break in the first set. However, she lost her lead, only to regain it in the sixth game. She successfully served out for the remainder of the opener, leaving her Swiss opponent in her wake.
Nonetheless, Bencic was not to be outdone. Down by a set, she fought back valiantly, seizing a 3-0 lead in the second set. She then held on to her serve for the rest of the set, forcing the match into a decisive third set.
In the third set, both athletes held their serves tenaciously through the initial eight games, with no break points in sight. Gauff seemed poised for victory when she established a 40/0 lead in the ninth game, but her stronghold was shattered when she was broken from her seemingly unassailable position, a pivotal moment that marked the beginning of her collapse.
Bencic, seizing the opportunity, served out for the match, ensuring she didn’t squander this golden chance for victory. Her triumph sets her up for a face-off against either Madison Keys or Donna Vekic in the quest for a place in the Indian Wells semifinal.
This victory was particularly sweet for Bencic, who not only avenged her three-set loss to Gauff in the Australian Open earlier this year but also marked her first WTA 1000 quarterfinal since her return to the sport post-maternity leave.
The 27-year-old Swiss player, who won her first title as a new mother in Abu Dhabi last month, reflected on the significance of her victory, stating, “I always tell myself ‘it doesn’t matter if I win this match, I already won in life. I have a beautiful family.. I’m very blessed.” Bencic now has her sights set on adding another title to her accolades.
