World No. 3 Coco Gauff kept her quest for a maiden Australian Open title on track with a thrilling 5-7, 6-2, 6-1 comeback victory over Belinda Bencic. Gauff, who is among the tournament favorites, demonstrated grit and skill in a match that tested her mental and physical resilience.
Gauff tested early by Bencic’s sharp return
The 20-year-old American entered the fourth-round clash brimming with confidence after dominating Leylah Fernandez in the previous round. However, Olympic gold medalist Belinda Bencic, making a strong return to the tour after her 2024 maternity leave, posed a significant challenge.
Both players started strong, showcasing clean ball striking and precise backhand exchanges. Gauff’s widely regarded backhand was matched by Bencic’s consistency in the rallies. The first set saw momentum swings, with Bencic capitalizing on Gauff’s forehand errors to break at 4-4. Although Gauff clawed back with aggressive serving, consecutive double faults at deuce handed Bencic the advantage. The Swiss sealed the set 7-5 on her third set point with composed play.
A quick refresh fuels Gauff’s comeback
After taking a brief break off court, Gauff returned with renewed energy and focus. She raced to a 3-0 lead in the second set, punishing Bencic with deep, powerful groundstrokes. Despite Bencic’s incredible defensive point at 15-30 in the fourth game, Gauff maintained control. The American saved a critical moment at 4-2, 0-30 with clutch serving and pounced on a loose Bencic service game to level the match 6-2.
Decider: Gauff powers through as Bencic fades
The turning point in the final set came in the fourth game. At game point, Bencic’s backhand clipped the net but failed to roll over, setting the stage for Gauff to break. The Swiss player then uncharacteristically missed two straightforward shots, gifting the world No. 3 the decisive advantage.
As temperatures soared, Bencic visibly struggled with the physical demands of the match, particularly after an extended absence from competitive tennis. Gauff capitalized, winning the final three games with ease to close out the match in two hours and 21 minutes.
Gauff’s mental and physical toughness shines
The victory underscored Gauff’s growing maturity and ability to handle adversity. Despite dropping the first set and facing a former top-10 player in strong form, she raised her game and dominated the final two sets.
“I’m proud of how I stayed focused and adjusted my game,” Gauff said in her post-match interview. “Belinda is a great competitor, and I knew it was going to be a tough match. I’m just happy to come through.”
What’s next for Gauff?
Gauff will face Paula Badosa in the quarterfinals. The two are tied 3-3 in head-to-head meetings, but Gauff won both of their 2024 encounters, making her the favorite heading into the clash.