Coco Gauff survived another thriller at the 2026 Miami Open. In a tournament characterized by gritty performances and final-set deciders, the American star defeated Belinda Bencic (6-3, 2-6, 6-4) to reach her first semifinal in Miami. Speaking to Tennis Channel, Gauff emphasized how this difficult path is revealing a new side of her competitive character.
Winning While Suffering: The Hard Rock Stadium Magic
“I don’t know exactly what happened out there, I just know I was very upset after losing that 40-0 game in the third set,” Gauff confessed. Every single match for Coco this week has gone to a third set, proving her resilience. “I feel like every match I’m getting better, even if I keep winning in three sets. This tournament will be a reference point for the rest of my season.”
Technical Focus: Night Session Dynamics
Playing in the Miami night session introduces specific variables: higher humidity makes the balls “fluffier” and slower, favoring players with elite defensive coverage. Gauff excelled in turning the tables on Bencic, transitioning from defense to offense just as the Swiss player began to tire physically.
Next Stop: Karolina Muchova
Looking ahead to the semifinal, Gauff dismisses her positive head-to-head record against Muchova. “I never think about the H2H. She is a very strong player, she played great in Australia. I expect another very demanding match where quality matters more than past results.”
