Coco Gauff, the defending champion of the WTA 1000 China Open, showcased her resilience in a thrilling fourth-round match against Belinda Bencic, battling back to secure a 4-6, 7-6(4), 6-2 victory on Tuesday. This win not only propelled Gauff into the quarter-finals but also set her up for a showdown with Germany’s Eva Lys, who triumphed over McCartney Kessler in a three-set contest.
The encounter between Gauff and Bencic was marked by intensity, emotional outbursts, and a touching moment of sportsmanship. Gauff, the reigning French Open champion, faced early setbacks, losing the first set and struggling for momentum. Bencic, the former Olympic gold medalist, expressed her frustration to the umpire about the noise coming from Gauff’s team, stating, “I’m going to the line, ready to serve, they don’t need to cheer.” The tension was palpable as Bencic admonished Gauff, who attempted to interject, leading to a heated exchange. However, Gauff demonstrated her mental fortitude, staging a remarkable comeback despite the drama.
After dropping the first set, Gauff showed tenacity by breaking back to level the match during a tightly contested tiebreaker. She then dominated the final set, efficiently converting on key break points and displaying the spirit of a champion as she sealed the match after 2 hours and 29 minutes. Gauff noted post-match, “It was a tough match… but, overall, I’m happy with how I fought,” highlighting her determination to stay focused and composed amidst the chaos.
In the quarter-finals, Gauff will face Eva Lys, who reached this stage by defeating Kessler 4-6, 6-1, 6-2. The emotional victory marked Lys’s first foray into the quarter-finals of a WTA 1000 event, solidifying her place among the top players in the women’s game. The 23-year-old expressed her feelings about the win, battling back tears as she celebrated the momentous occasion. “It means so much to be in my first [WTA 1000] quarter-final,” she stated, demonstrating both her humility and excitement.
Amanda Anisimova, the 3rd seed, also displayed her skill, coming from behind to defeat Karolina Muchova in a hard-fought match ending with a scoreline of 1-6, 6-2, 6-4. Anisimova’s victory extended her impressive run this season, including appearances in both Wimbledon and US Open finals. With this win, she has now matched her career-high with seven quarter-finals in a single year. She will meet Jasmine Paolini, who battled through a challenging match against Marie Bouzkova, winning 6-2, 7-5 to set up their quarter-final clash.
As the tournament progresses, Gauff’s victory kept her title defense alive, marking her as a serious contender once again. Equally, Anisimova’s recent form establishes her as a formidable opponent moving forward. With several players competing for points to secure their positions for the upcoming WTA Finals, the next round promises thrilling encounters as players vie for a place in the semi-finals.
