Gauff Achieves Career Best at Madrid Open

MADRID: Coco Gauff, currently ranked No. 4 globally, showcased her dominance by defeating fellow American Ann Li in straight sets, 6-2, 6-3, at the Madrid Open on Saturday.

The 21-year-old Gauff required slightly over an hour to clinch the victory. This contrasted with her challenging first-round match against Dayana Yastremska, where she recovered from a set down to eventually win in three sets.

This performance signifies Gauff’s best showing at the Madrid Open, equalling her fourth-round appearances in both 2022 and 2024.

“My performance was improved today,” Gauff stated during the post-match interview. “I felt more at ease and aimed to be more assertive while maintaining control.”

The American athlete demonstrated precision throughout the match, delivering 10 winners and securing 73 percent of her first-serve points.

Next up, Gauff is slated for a significant match against Olympic champion Belinda Bencic.

Earlier that day, Bencic faced a formidable challenge from Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia, ultimately winning 6-3, 4-6, 7-6(2) after more than three hours on the court. Bencic demonstrated resilience by overcoming a 1-4 deficit in the third set to advance to the last 16.

Gauff and Bencic have an equal record from their previous four encounters. They have already competed twice in 2025, with Gauff winning at the Australian Open before Bencic evened the score at Indian Wells.

If Gauff proceeds further, a possible quarter-final showdown with rising star Mirra Andreeva awaits.

The 17-year-old Russian also secured her position in the fourth round on Saturday and represents a considerable challenge in the lower section of the draw, led by World No. 2 and defending champion Iga Swiatek.

The stage is prepared for an engaging second week in the Spanish capital.