Tennis Star Coco Gauff Defeats Belinda Bencic Amidst Drama at China Open

American tennis player Coco Gauff emerged victorious against Belinda Bencic in the fourth round of the 2025 China Open, winning 4-6, 7-6(4), 6-2. The match was not without controversy, as a dramatic exchange between the two players occurred during the second set.

The incident began when Bencic approached the chair umpire to express concerns about the loud celebrations from Gauff’s team. Bencic accused Gauff of playing “mind games,” which Gauff denied, stating that the comments directed towards her support staff were disrespectful. The tension escalated, with Gauff ultimately winning the tiebreaker and going on to secure the match in the third set.

Former coach Rennae Stubbs shared her thoughts on the situation during a podcast, suggesting that Bencic should not have provoked Gauff, who was already under pressure. Stubbs compared Gauff to tennis legend Serena Williams, stating that players should avoid “poking the bear” when facing elite opponents. According to Stubbs, Gauff is one of the most respected players on the tour and will not hesitate to stand up for herself and her team.

In a post-match conference, Gauff revealed that her team had informed her that Bencic told them to “shut up,” prompting Gauff to fire back at her opponent. Gauff emphasized the importance of respect, stating that she had been friendly with Bencic’s team off the court and expected the same courtesy in return. The two players have since spoken and apparently put the incident behind them.

The drama surrounding the match has sparked a lively discussion in the tennis world, with many debating the etiquette and sportsmanship of the players involved. As the China Open continues, fans and commentators alike will be watching to see how this incident affects the tournament and the relationships between players.