In the vibrant atmosphere of the 2025 Madrid Open, fourth seed Coco Gauff is gearing up for an electrifying fourth-round match against Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic. This showdown at La Caja Mágica promises to be a highlight of the WTA 1000 event, with both players bringing their A-game to the clay courts. Gauff, the 21-year-old American sensation, has expressed intrigue and respect for her opponent, setting the stage for what she calls an “interesting” battle. With their head-to-head record tied at 2-2, including two gripping encounters earlier this year, anticipation is high for another closely contested match.
Gauff’s journey to the round of 16 has been a tale of resilience. After a shaky start against Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska, where she dropped the first set 0-6, Gauff rallied to secure a 6-2, 7-5 victory. She followed this with a more composed performance against compatriot Ann Li, winning 6-2, 6-3 in just over an hour. Reflecting on her progress, Gauff noted, “I played better today. [I was] more comfortable and trying to be more aggressive but playing with margin.” Her ability to harness the clay surface’s slower pace has helped her control her forehand, a shot that has occasionally been her Achilles’ heel. Despite never advancing past the fourth round in Madrid, Gauff’s recent form suggests she’s ready to break new ground.
Bencic, ranked No. 42 but a former top-10 player, has been a formidable force since returning from maternity leave. Her path to the fourth round included a dominant 6-0, 6-2 win over Zeynep Sonmez and a hard-fought 7-5, 7-5 victory against 20th seed Clara Tauson. Bencic’s experience as a former Madrid semifinalist gives her a slight edge, particularly as she’s shown she can exploit Gauff’s vulnerabilities. Earlier this year, Bencic outlasted Gauff in a three-set thriller at Indian Wells, though Gauff had the upper hand at the Australian Open. “She’s a tough player,” Gauff said of Bencic. “We’ve had some great matches, and I know this one will be interesting.”
The matchup is poised to be a tactical chess game. Gauff’s elite backhand and defensive prowess will face off against Bencic’s precise shot-making and ability to target Gauff’s forehand under pressure. The clay courts of Madrid, which allow for longer rallies, could favor Gauff’s athleticism, but Bencic’s knack for seizing critical moments makes her a dangerous opponent. Their evenly split head-to-head, with both 2025 matches going the distance, underscores the razor-thin margins that will likely decide the outcome.
As Gauff aims to reverse her fortunes in Madrid, where she’s yet to reach the quarterfinals, she remains optimistic. “I’m feeling good on clay right now,” she shared, emphasizing her growing comfort on the surface. Bencic, meanwhile, is riding a wave of confidence, her ranking climbing back toward the top 25 after a string of impressive performances. The winner of this clash could face rising star Mirra Andreeva, adding further intrigue to the tournament’s narrative.
With the French Open looming, this match is a critical test for both players. For Gauff, it’s a chance to reclaim her momentum after a challenging start to 2025, marked by early exits in Dubai and Miami. For Bencic, it’s an opportunity to cement her resurgence as a clay-court contender. As the Madrid crowd awaits, one thing is certain: this “interesting” showdown will deliver drama, skill, and heart-pounding tennis.