Coco Gauff’s fourth-round match at the China Open wasn’t just about top-tier tennis; it also sparked controversy midway through the second set. Tensions escalated when Belinda Bencic, trailing 2-3, grew visibly irritated by a fan cheering after Gauff won a point. The Swiss player’s frustration was evident, and she also directed it toward Gauff. Here’s how it all unfolded.
How Did Tensions Rise Between Belinda Bencic and Coco Gauff During the China Open Match?
15th seed Bencic started strong, taking the opening set 6-4. The second set remained tightly contested, with both players battling fiercely. But one particular moment stole the spotlight and made headlines. Gauff hit a winner at 2-3, prompting cheers from the audience and her team.
However, Bencic bristled at the timing of those cheers and voiced her frustration to the chair umpire, while Gauff calmly reminded that the crowd had shown respect.
“There’s nobody in the stadium. It’s been so respectful,” Gauff was heard saying.
The Swiss broke serve to move ahead 4-3, and later raised the same concern, saying:
“When the point is over, it’s no problem, I don’t care. But when I’m going to the line ready to serve, they don’t need to cheer.”
the video clip of this Belinda-Coco exchange: pic.twitter.com/AfNLqHdGFD https://t.co/y2FHzZxvnW
— Christian’s Court (@christianscourt) September 30, 2025
When Gauff responded, Bencic snapped back at her by saying:
“No one’s talking to you. She’s talking to me okay! Your team is chatting. I’m too old for these mind games okay!”
Gauff eventually won the second set via a tiebreaker and dominated the third to register a 4-6, 7-6(4), 6-2 win.
What Did Gauff Say After Her Controversial Moment With Belinda Bencic
During her post-match press conference, Gauff addressed the incident, revealing that while she didn’t hear Bencic clearly, her team informed her that the Swiss told them to “shut up.” The American added that both teams’ support is easily audible in a quiet stadium.
“Yeah, I mean, I knew she said something to my team, but I didn’t know exactly what. They told me she said, ‘Shut up.’ I didn’t hear it, so I can only go based off of what they said. I guess she was upset about them cheering. For me, the stadium is silent, so you hear both teams. I played previous rounds, both my matches I could hear the other teams pretty loud and clear, because it is silent,” Gauff said.
The 21-year-old said the comment didn’t bother her personally, but she disagreed with Bencic’s remark towards her team.
“It doesn’t bother me. I was telling her to be respectful. I’ve been nice with her team off court. We’ve been nice with each other. I just didn’t like that comment towards my team. Yeah, that was it. I mean, we moved on after that. I haven’t spoken to her since. She’s entitled to how she felt and I’m entitled to how I respond,” she added.
How Did the Fans React to This Incident
The contentious exchange quickly went viral on social media, drawing widespread reactions. One fan speculated that had Bencic not complained, she might have secured the match.
“If she didnt complain she would have won this match. I cant with her, she really should have won here…,” they wrote.
If she didnt complain she would have won this match. I cant with her, she really should have won here… https://t.co/7AVvkMbgWc
— sabkkari 🇬🇷🇦🇺 (@sabkkari) September 30, 2025
“Yo this is crazy 💀💀💀 it’s never ever this serious,” another said.
A fan criticized Gauff’s team, suggesting their constant reassurance for Coco during matches is excessive and unnecessary.
“Coco’s team are cringe tho. They content need of reassurance that coco needs is too much,” they commented.
“She went on to lose this game btw. If you’re complaining to the chair umpire you’ve already lost the mental battle,” another chimed in.
She went on to lose this game btw. If you’re complaining to the chair umpire you’ve already lost the mental battle
— Lee (@HackneyManLee) September 30, 2025
Gauff is progressing steadily at the WTA 1000 event and remains poised to defend her crown. Next up for the American in the quarterfinals is Eva Lys, who she will face for the very first time.
