The clay courts of the Mutua Madrid Open buzzed with anticipation on April 27, 2025, as Coco Gauff, the world No. 4 and fourth seed, prepared to face off against former Olympic champion Belinda Bencic in a highly anticipated fourth-round rematch. This clash, a continuation of their evenly split rivalry, promised intensity, with both players having traded victories twice this year alone. Gauff, fresh off a gritty third-round win, unveiled a bold game plan to counter Bencic’s aggressive style, setting the stage for a thrilling battle that showcased her evolving mastery on clay.
Gauff’s journey to the fourth round was anything but straightforward. After a shaky start against Dayana Yastremska, where she dropped the first set 0-6, the 21-year-old American roared back to secure a 0-6, 6-2, 7-5 victory, displaying the resilience that has defined her career. Her third-round match against compatriot Ann Li was a masterclass in composure. Trailing 2-0 early, Gauff flipped the script, rattling off six consecutive games to claim the first set 6-2. She navigated a brief hiccup in the second set to close out a 6-3 win, finishing in just 66 minutes. “Overall, a solid performance. I was just trying to stay steady,” Gauff said, noting Li’s errors allowed her to push her opponent into a defensive stance. This clinical display, with reduced double faults and improved serve efficiency, signaled Gauff’s growing comfort on the slower clay surface.
Bencic, meanwhile, arrived in the fourth round with her own momentum. The 28-year-old Swiss star, who welcomed daughter Bella in April 2024, has made a remarkable comeback, climbing to No. 58 after being unranked late last year. Her Madrid campaign began with a 6-0, 6-2 demolition of Zeynep Sonmez, followed by a hard-fought 7-5, 7-5 win over Clara Tauson. Her third-round battle against 16th seed Beatriz Haddad Maia was a three-hour epic, culminating in a 6-3, 4-6, 7-6(2) victory. “I felt like it wasn’t until the last moment that the match went one way,” Bencic reflected, highlighting her tenacity in high-pressure situations.
The Gauff-Bencic rivalry, deadlocked at 2-2, added intrigue to their first-ever clay-court encounter. Their 2025 meetings—at the Australian Open, where Gauff triumphed 5-7, 6-2, 6-1, and Indian Wells, where Bencic prevailed 3-6, 6-3, 6-4—both went the distance, setting expectations for another grueling battle. Gauff, aware of Bencic’s aggressive baseline game, shared her strategy on Tennis Channel: “I’m definitely someone who strives for perfection … I’m just trying to stay steady.” Her plan hinged on maintaining defensive solidity while exploiting Bencic’s occasional lapses, particularly on clay, where Gauff’s speed and forehand control could shine.
Beyond singles, Gauff’s Madrid campaign included a doubles resurgence alongside new partner Robin Montgomery. The duo stormed through their first two matches, defeating Caroline Dolehide and Desirae Krawczyk 6-3, 6-0, and Storm Hunter and Ellen Perez 6-4, 6-3. This multitasking showcased Gauff’s versatility, though some wondered if it might strain her focus. Yet, her 73% first-serve point win rate against Li and 10 winners suggested she was managing the workload effectively.
As Gauff eyes a potential quarterfinal clash with rising star Mirra Andreeva or a semifinal against defending champion Iga Swiatek, her Madrid performance signals a return to form after a rocky 2025 start. With a 14-6 record and a United Cup title, she’s hungry for a deep run. Bencic, with her own title in Abu Dhabi and a 17-4 record, remains a formidable foe. This rematch, blending tactical nous and raw emotion, underscores Gauff’s quest to reclaim her place among tennis’s elite.