Coco Gauff advances to China Open quarterfinals

Next opponent

Gauff will next face the winner of the match between Germany’s Eva Lys and fellow American McCartney Kessler. After her victory, Gauff said, “It was a tough match. I had chances to close out the first set, but overall I’m happy with the way I fought. She was playing very aggressively.”

Tense atmosphere

The match was tense between the two players in nearly empty stands, as they had to move between shaded and sunny sides of the court, making conditions more difficult and adding to their frustration. During one changeover in the second set, Bencic was overheard saying, “Your team is talking, but I’m too old for these mind games, okay?” to which Gauff responded, “You’re the one doing the mind games.”

Composure and victory

Nevertheless, the 21-year-old Gauff kept her composure, sealing the tiebreak after Bencic — the Tokyo Olympic gold medallist — double-faulted on serve and threw her racket in anger. The world No.3 then broke her opponent’s serve at the start of the third set and maintained her momentum to clinch the match.

WTA finals qualification

With Tuesday’s win, Gauff secured her place in the WTA Finals to be held in Saudi Arabia in November.