"Honestly, I didn’t think I would be in the semis": Coco Gauff surprises herself with Miami Open run after downing Bencic

Coco Gauff admitted she “doesn’t know how” she came through a physically demanding three-set battle after defeating Belinda Bencic 6–3, 1–6, 6–3 to reach the semi-finals of the Miami Open.

In a match full of momentum swings, Gauff had to regroup in the deciding set after letting a 40-love lead slip, but ultimately found a way to push through at the Miami Open.

“I don’t really know what happened,” Gauff said post-match on Tennis Channel. “I was just upset that I lost that game at 40-love in the third, and then I guess I was just able to move on from there. It was a tough match physically for both of us, but I don’t know how I got through it.”

The American’s emotional reaction at the end underlined just how much the win meant, having been pushed to her limits by Bencic’s resilience. “Oh my God, that drop shot was crazy,” she said, reflecting on one of the standout moments late in the match. “The reaction out of me says it all.”

Despite arriving in Miami with modest expectations, Gauff has steadily grown into the tournament, navigating multiple three-set matches to reach the final four.

“Honestly, I didn’t think I would be in the semis,” she admitted. “So I’m really happy and proud of myself.

“I think I’ve proved a lot to myself this week, and with each match I’m getting better—even though they’re going to three sets. I just feel like the level is improving, and this is a tournament I can look back on for the rest of the season.”

That sense of progression has come not from dominant performances, but from her ability to adapt mid-match—something she believes was tested heavily against Bencic.

“I felt like today was the first match this week where I really got outplayed, especially in that second set,” she explained.

“I made errors, yes, but I felt like she was getting to everything. Then it felt like she thought I was getting to everything too, so it just became about who was going to break first—and luckily, I was the one who didn’t get broken first.”

Playing under the lights in front of a lively home crowd, Gauff also highlighted the unique atmosphere of the Miami night sessions.

“Today was much better,” she said. “When I played Alycia Parks earlier, I think the crowd was a bit confused because we’re both American.

“But today there was no confusion. It feels great to play in the Miami night session—it’s a great event.”

Off the court, the 20-year-old has also been keeping an eye on the fan experience around the tournament.

“I’ve seen the grounds online and it looks super nice. My family has given good feedback,” she added. “I might have to come up with a disguise or something because there are a few things I want to try after the tournament—but I don’t know how that’s going to work.”

Gauff also reflected on her first-ever WTA Tour win, which came at this very event, and how the lessons from that moment still apply today.

“Oh my gosh, I remember that match—it was against my friend Catherine McNally,” she said.

“I think I was down 4–2 in the third in that match, so similar to today. I remember being so excited to go on Tennis Channel—I’m still just as excited now.

“I guess that’s the motto of my career: just keep going. You never know—get through one tough match, and the next thing you know you’re in the semis, the finals, or winning the trophy.”

Next up for Gauff is a clash with Karolína Muchová, a player she knows will present another stern test regardless of past results.

“Every time I play her, I don’t really think about the head-to-head because she’s so tough,” Gauff said.

“Our match in Australia—she played so well, and I was able to get through it. I expect it to be another tough match.

“I feel like the head-to-head doesn’t really reflect the quality of the matches. We’ve had a lot that could have gone either way.”

Drawing on her broader experience, she added: “I’ve had a tough head-to-head against Iga Świątek too, and that can turn around at any moment. So I don’t focus on that.”