Strange scenes unfolded during the fourth-round clash between Amanda Anisimova and Belinda Bencic at the 2026 Miami Open as two spectators attempted to leave the stadium just before the Swiss star stepped up to serve for match point. The chair umpire quickly intervened, noting the disturbance and instructing them to either exit swiftly or take their seats.
Strange Scenes Unfold as Two Fans Leave Early Before Belinda Bencic Seals Match Point Against Amanda Anisimova at the Miami Open
Anisimova’s struggles in the 2026 season showed little sign of easing as she bowed out in straight sets to Bencic in the fourth round of the Miami Open. The Swiss star delivered a commanding performance, striking 19 winners across just 14 games while maintaining an impressive 87% first-serve percentage and winning 72% of those points. With the victory, she also secured a 3-2 lead in the head-to-head against the American.
The 12th seed stayed firmly in control throughout a dominant 6-2, 6-2 victory over Anisimova, sealing her place in the quarterfinals. The win marked her 12th appearance at this stage of a WTA 1000 event and her second in Miami, having previously reached the semifinals in 2022.
However, beyond Bencic’s commanding performance, the match drew attention for an unusual interruption at a crucial moment. With the Swiss star poised to serve for match point at 5-2, two spectators seated behind her began leaving the Grandstand, prompting the chair umpire to step in and address the disturbance.
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The chair umpire promptly instructed the pair to either exit the stadium swiftly or take their seats, forcing Bencic to briefly halt her service motion. As the two made their way out, they were met with loud jeers from the rest of the crowd.
“Thank You! Behind the player here on my right! Either you take a seat or you leave quickly,” he was heard saying.
2 guys trying to leave on match point in the Bencic vs Anisimova match at Miami Open got booed out
💀💀💀💀💀 pic.twitter.com/eoLysS9EGS
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) March 24, 2026
With momentum on her side, Bencic now turns her attention to a high-stakes quarterfinal clash against fourth seed and two-time Grand Slam champion Coco Gauff, who advanced after edging past Sorana Cîrstea.
The American heads into the contest with a clear psychological edge, leading their head-to-head 4-2 and having won each of their last two meetings, setting up a compelling showdown. In fact, the PFSN’s simulator also favors Gauff, giving them a 60% chance of winning their upcoming encounter.
