Swiss No. 1 Belinda Bencic praised World No. 3 Coco Gauff during her recent interview with “Christian’s Court” ahead of her Charleston Open round-of-32 match at Credit One Stadium in South Carolina. Bencic and Gauff clashed in the quarterfinals of the Miami Open last week, where the American defeated the Swiss player in three sets.
Considering that match and their overall rivalry on tour in recent years, Bencic argued that Gauff deserves respect rather than the negative comments she has been receiving for her inconsistent start to the season. Additionally, the Swiss player complimented Gauff’s style of play, saying she is a well-deserved No. 3 in the world.
“Yes, I think she’s very tough as well. I mean, we had some great matches every time we played, and it’s really admirable how she moves. You definitely feel like the court is much smaller. You know, I like to attack, of course, and she makes it very hard. She makes you overplay balls in the end. And then, of course, her serve is also very tough,” Bencic said.
“I know she gets a lot of comments, and this and that, but her serve is very good. And it’s very fast, you know, when she puts it in. Of course, sometimes you can have some problems with the rhythm and everything, but I don’t think she should get so many negative comments because her game is very unique,” she added.
“She has a very different rhythm, and she can really play anywhere on the court. And she’s moving great, too. So obviously, she’s very deserving number three, number four in the world,” Bencic concluded.
Coco Gauff Will Resume Play in Stuttgart While Belinda Bencic Gears up for her Opening Match in Charleston
Bencic, the 2022 champion in Charleston, will be taking on Dayana Yastremska in the R2 of the Charleston Open on Tuesday after receiving byes in the opening round. Charleston is the only WTA clay event on US soil before the players break for the European stretch, which will culminate with the French Open.
In contrast, Gauff decided to skip the Charleston Open to take some much-needed time off tour before she resumes play in a star-studded lineup in Stuttgart (starting April 13), which will be followed by the highly coveted Mutua Madrid Open (April 20 onwards).
Now back in the top 3, the two-time Grand Slam champion will aim to produce an incredible run in the claycourt swing and defend her Roland Garros title in June.
Also read:
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
