The 2025 China Open has set the stage for a compelling Round of 16 clash between defending champion Coco Gauff and 15th seed Belinda Bencic. Gauff enters the match fresh off a hard-fought three-set victory over Leylah Fernandez, 6-4, 4-6, 7-5. Her season was highlighted by a second Grand Slam title at the French Open, where she overcame Aryna Sabalenka in a dramatic three-set final.
Bencic, on the other hand, has experienced a remarkable resurgence this season. After returning from maternity leave, she clinched the Abu Dhabi title, defeating Ashlyn Krueger in straight sets, 4-6, 6-1, 6-1. This victory was particularly significant as it marked her first WTA title since becoming a mother, making her the first mother to win a WTA singles title since Elina Svitolina in 2023.
Emma Raducanu vs Jessica Pegula Match Details
Date: Sept. 29, 2025
Tournament: China Open 2025
Round: Round of 16
Venue: National Tennis Center, Beijing, China
Category: WTA 1000
Surface: Outdoor Hard Court
Live Telecast: Tennis Channel, TVA, TSN, ESPN International
Gauff vs Bencic Head-to-Head
Gauff and Belinda Bencic have met five times on the WTA Tour, with Gauff leading 3–2. Their most recent clash was at the 2025 Madrid Open, where Gauff won 6–4, 6–2 in the fourth round.
Earlier this season, Bencic defeated Gauff 3–6, 6–3, 6–4 at Indian Wells, while the latter also came from a set down to beat her 5–7, 6–2, 6–1 at the Australian Open. Their first meeting was at the 2021 Adelaide International, with Bencic winning the match.
Gauff vs Bencic Prediction
Gauff enters this match as the stronger hard-court player this season, boasting a 38–13 win-loss record and a first serve win rate of 69.1%. Her aggressive baseline game, combined with movement and consistency in long rallies, has been highly effective. She also wins 68.5% of her service games and 45.9% of return games, giving her a clear edge in dictating play from both wings.
Bencic, while more tactical and versatile, has a slightly weaker first serve (64.9%) and lower return efficiency (34.9%). She has a 28–14 record, winning 69.9% of her service games, but her comparatively low ace count (63 vs. Gauff’s 148) may make it harder for her to generate free points.
On hard courts, Gauff’s power and ability to stay aggressive under pressure make her the favorite. Bencic’s strength lies in constructing points and exploiting opponents’ mistakes, but Gauff’s superior serve and return stats give her the statistical advantage.
Considering head-to-head and current season form, Gauff is the pick to win, likely in straight sets if she maintains her serve efficiency. Bencic can challenge in extended rallies, but Gauff’s combination of firepower and consistency makes her the most likely victor.
