Gauff Accused of ‘Mind Games’ in China Open Confrontation with Bencic

BEIJING – American tennis star Coco Gauff was accused of “mind games” during a heated mid-match confrontation with Swiss opponent Belinda Bencic at the China Open on Tuesday. The exchange occurred during their Round of 16 match, adding an unexpected layer of drama to the high-stakes encounter.

The incident unfolded after Bencic, who had taken the first set and broken Gauff’s serve at 4-3 in the second, voiced her frustration to the chair umpire. Bencic claimed that Gauff’s team was disrupting her rhythm with ill-timed cheering while she was preparing to serve. “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,” Bencic was heard telling the umpire.

The Heated Exchange Unfolds

As Bencic continued her complaint, Gauff, seated nearby, attempted to interject. This prompted a sharp response from Bencic, who quickly shut down the American’s attempt to join the discussion. “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!” Bencic snapped.

A video clip of the exchange quickly circulated online, highlighting the intensity of the moment. The confrontation appeared to affect both players, though Bencic’s level of play reportedly dipped afterward, allowing Gauff to seize momentum and claim the second set. Gauff ultimately completed a comeback victory, winning the match 4-6, 7-6 (4), 6-2 to advance to the quarterfinals.

Impact on the Match and Player Reactions

The heated words underscored the psychological battles inherent in elite tennis. While the exact impact on the players’ subsequent performance is debatable, Bencic’s frustration was evident, and Gauff capitalized on the shift in momentum. The American teenager carried her surge into the deciding set, taking a 4-1 lead before closing out the match. Gauff’s win improved her head-to-head record against Bencic to 4-2.

Broader Context: Gauff’s China Open Comments

This incident is not the first time Gauff has garnered attention for her comments surrounding the China Open. Earlier in the tournament, Gauff sparked controversy by referring to the prestigious WTA 1000 event as a “pre-season” or “practice event,” aiming to build for the next year. These remarks, made during a press conference, were perceived by some as dismissive of the tournament’s significance, especially given that she is the defending champion.

Despite these comments, Gauff was reportedly one of the first players to practice for the event. Her focus, she stated, was on peaking for the WTA Finals, with Beijing serving as a crucial step for practice and adjustment to conditions. The China Open is one of the most significant tournaments outside the Grand Slams, offering substantial prize money and 1000 ranking points. Gauff’s earlier comments prompted discussions about player transparency versus respecting host tournaments.

The confrontation with Bencic adds another layer to Gauff’s narrative at this year’s China Open, reminding fans that the drama in tennis extends beyond just the racquet, encompassing intense psychological duels and on-court emotions.